Cairo-based Al Azhar University in Egypt is set to increase its number of scholarship positions for Indonesian students from twenty to fifty places per year as a sign of appreciation that it hopes will bolster development in Indonesia.

Grand Imam of Al Azhar University Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib said he hoped Indonesian students who studied at Al Azhar would bring positive development to their country, especially in the fields of education, technology and religion.

"It's to show that countries with Islamic values are not underdeveloped, but instead are developed countries," Ahmad told The Jakarta Post in an interview on Monday.

The decision to increase the scholarship quota was taken after the Grand Imam visited President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the State Palace on Monday, a visit which he said was a "warm and amazing reception".

With 3,500 Indonesian students currently studying there, Al Azhar is a moderate Islamic university, which has a tradition of tolerance and moderation. In fact it produced several talented alumni who contributed to the struggle for the independence of Indonesia before 1945.

Ahmad said that in line with Al-Azhar's mission in spreading the message of peace, he expected Indonesian alumni to carry out the university's mission in their home country, including promoting a peaceful Islam that upheld tolerance and Rahmatan lil alamin [blessing for the universe].

"Indonesia should also become a country with a high tolerance of diversity," Ahmad added.

Earlier, Jokowi said Indonesia had also provided funding for Al-Azhar to build four dormitories that could be used by students from Indonesia, Egypt or other countries. (dan)(+)

Popular

Bali to clamp down on illegal foreign-owned businesses

West Java starts curfew for students, cuts school days

Visa problems, management woes loom over haj handling