Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) would provide language center for Palestinian students who would continue their study in Indonesia. It is a contribution of UMY to Palestine in evolving education of Palestine since education is an essential aspect to relieve Palestine from colony of Israel.
It was the statement of Indira Prabasari, Ph.D. after a visit of Ambassador of Palestine, Fariz Nafi’ Atieh Mehdawi, to UMY. The visit took place on Thursday (10/2) and was welcomed by Rector of UMY Prof. Dr. Bambang Cipto, M.A., Vice Chancellor III of UMY Sri Atmaja P. Rosyidi, S.T., MSc.Eng., Ph.D., PE, University Secretary Ir. Navi AnandaUtama, MS, and Head of Cooperation Office UMY Indira Prabasari, Ph.D., and Head of Public Relation and Protocol Office UMY RatihHerningtyas, S.IP., M.A.
According to Indira, government of Palestine is now focusing on sending lecturers and students to study abroad, such as Indonesia. Indira argued that Palestine is now preparing for being released from Israel colony. “In fact, there have been several lecturers and students of University of Palestine continuing their study in Indonesia. This year UMY contributes to provide scholarship for the lecturers and students to learn culture and language of Indonesia before they take their study in certain universities.
Language center would be the place where they learn the Indonesian culture and language. Indira stated that it would be placed at Language Training Center (PPB) UMY. “For the first year, there would be four students who enroll to UGM, and we afford scholarship to learn the Indonesian culture and language for 3 months before they study at the university in September 2015,” she asserted.
Indira added that UMY and government of Palestine would sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in academic field. “On the cooperation we would carry out student exchange, staff exchange, and other academic activities with University of Palestine. It is a contribution of UMY in fostering education in Palestine,” she added.
Moreover, Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia, Fariz Mehdawi uttered that the cooperation in educational area would be the essential aspect for his country to be released from Israel. He contended that there have been a lot of lecturers and students of Palestine pursuing their magister and doctorate overseas. After accomplishing their study, they ought to come back to their county to evolve education in Palestine. “It is the key to release Palestine from Israel,” he maintained.
Fariz told that, assisting Palestine is not to provide aids through sending people for jihad (holy war). “Yet, it should be encouragement for lecturers and students of Palestine to be able to continue their study since the education would help our country to be released from Israel,” he conveyed.
