Indonesia and Egypt have an extended -lasting relationship that dates back to Indonesia for independence. Egypt was the primary sovereign country that recognized Indonesia’s independence on March 22, 1946, three years before formal international recognition. This early recognition paved the best way for strong diplomatic ties, with each countries signed a treaty on friendship and cordiality on June 10, 1947, as Muslim nations with significant minorities, Indonesia and Egypt divide common goals and interests, cooperating in various international organizations. Their bilateral relations have grow to be stronger over time, and trade between two countries reached $ 1.5 billion in 2020, and the export of Indonesia to Egypt, including raw palm oil, coffee, tea, textiles and electronic devices.
In the education sector, Indonesian students in Egypt play a crucial role in supporting cultural understanding between two nations. When they move of their academic classes, in addition they immerse themselves within the wealthy cultural heritage of Egypt, learning Arabic and adapt to local customs. This exhibition allows them to understand the similarities and differences between Indonesian and Egyptian cultures, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Thanks to their experiences, Indonesian students in Egypt can facilitate cultural exchange and cooperation between two countries. By sharing their very own culture and learning Egyptian traditions, they assist construct bridges between two nations. This cultural exchange can result in increased cooperation in areas corresponding to education, trade and diplomacy, ultimately strengthening the relations of Indonesia-Egipt and promoting regional stability.
In particular, Indonesian students have an extended history of studies on the University of Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt, which is understood for Islamic studies and Arabic language programs. The university significantly contributed to Islamic education and cultural development of Indonesia. Here are some key points about Indonesian students studying on the University of Al-Azhar:
- Historical significance: The University of Al-Azhar has been the Islamic learning center for hundreds of years, and lots of Indonesian Islamic scholars and leaders have accomplished this prestigious institution. Famous graduates are the fourth president of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid and the Minister of Religious Affairs Quraish Shihab.
- Cultural exchange: Indonesian students of the University of Al-Azhar are involved in cultural exchange programs, promoting mutual understanding and respect between Indonesian and Egyptian cultures. They also take part in activities that support cooperation between two nations.
- Academic programs: The University of Al-Azhar offers various academic programs in Islamic studies, including programs specializing in moderate Islamic thought and peaceful coexistence. Indonesian students use those programs that increase their understanding of Islamic values and their use in modern society.
- Government support: The Indonesian government, especially the President of Prabowo Subianto, showed interest in supporting Indonesian students studying on the University of Al-Azhar. During the state visit to Egypt in December 2024, the President of Prabowo met with Indonesian students on the university, emphasizing the importance of education and cultural exchange.
- Scholarships and help: The University of Al-Azhar provided assistance to Indonesian students, including scholarships and training programs for Imam and Arabic instructors. This cooperation reflects strong bilateral relations between Egypt and Indonesia.
In general, studying on the University of Al-Azhar provides Indonesian students with worthwhile opportunities for educational and cultural development, enabling them to contribute to the event of Indonesia and promote international cooperation. According to the President’s meeting, Subianto with Indonesian students on the University of Al-Azhar, on December 18, 2024, there are millions of Indonesian students who studied on the university, with many known graduates.
In addition, there’s a historically a corner in Al Arar named Rwaq al-Jawa, also generally known as Riwaq al-Jawiyyah, is a historical section within the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo in Egypt, specially designed for college students from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malays, Brunei, Singapuru and Filippines. This area served as a spot of residence and a middle of educational activities, concentrating the community of students from these regions. Key features of Riwaq al-Jawa:
- Location: Located between Riwaq Sywwam and Riwaq Sulaimani, two other sections for college students from different regions.
- History: Established within the nineteenth century, with records from the Eighteen Eighties, within the time of Utsman Qozdulgi Katkhuda, an excellent character who founded several riwaq within the al-Azhar mosque.
- Library: Riwaq al-Jawa had its own library with a group of 46 volumes of books.
- Leadership: “Shaykh Riwaq” or the leader supervised students, and Shaykh Ismail Muhammad al-Jawi is considered one of the noteworthy examples.
- Student life: Students living in Riwaq al-Jawa needed to recite six from the Koran each day and received 11 loaves of bread every two days.
The importance of Riwaq al-Jawa goes beyond its physical structure. It represents a long-term relationship between the University of Al-Azhar and the Muslim communities of Southeast Asia. Over time, the Riwaq system has evolved, including Riwaq al-Jawa. Until 1954, the Riwaq system was largely replaced by modern accommodation, and lots of Riwaq ceased to exist as residential spaces. Today, the term “riwaq al-jawa” or “rwaq yawi” continues to be utilized by Malaysian students on the University of Al-Azhar to seek advice from their community or the place of collecting Islamic research and cultural activities.
While Riwaq al-Jawa is not any longer a dedicated residential district, its heritage continues through various cultural and academic initiatives. For example, Indonesian students of the University of Al-Azhar use the term “AR-RIWIA al-Indūnīsiy” to seek advice from their community or actions, reflecting the continual connection between Indonesia and Al-Azhar.
Over the past many years, Indonesia and Egypt have strengthened their partnership within the education sector through various cooperation. The University of Al-Azhar in Cairo has long been a middle for Indonesian students continuing Islamic studies, and hundreds of Indonesians have accomplished the institution. The Indonesian government also showed interest in supporting Indonesian students in Al-Azhar, and the President of Prabowo Subianto met with Indonesian students during his visit to Egypt in December 2024. In addition, there are opportunities to exchange academic, joint research initiatives and programs for constructing abilities between Indonesian and Egyptian universities, cooperation in the academic sector. To sum up, students’ experiences function an affidavit to the cultural exchange force in promoting global understanding and cooperation.
