Indonesian Ambassador for Ethiopia, Mr Imam Santoso, during his courtesy visit to AMU on 26th March, 2018, met University President, Dr Damtew Darza, at latter’s office and explored possibilities to develop bilateral collaboration on issues of mutual interest. He said the idea is to initially go for varsity-to-varsity collaboration and then gradually broaden it. Click here to see the pictures.
Expressing contentment, he said, Indonesia wants to develop university-to-university ties in the areas of joint research and staff exchange. However, Indonesia universities have done a lot in biology, bio-technology, water management, herbal and innumerable areas wherein this ties can be bolstered further.
Hinting at discussing issues with Ethiopian Envoy for Indonesia, Prof Admasu Tsegaye, in April in Jakarta; he informed that Indonesian Embassy was opened in Addis Ababa in 1964, but cooperation couldn’t grow further, but, now he hopes it will. The purpose is to acquaint Ethiopian students with Indonesia and its dynamics so that both nations can come closer, he stressed.
AMU President, Dr Damtew Darza, giving a lowdown, said, AMU came into being 31 years ago and now we have 13 PhDs, 83 Master, 74 UG programs and hosting 34,000 students. Though, we have 58 PhD, 670 Master and 205 first degree teachers, yet as per government’s plan, 2 years later all our teachers should have second and third degrees, but the scenario is different.
He adds, association with Indonesian universities will build AMU’s capacity in joint research and staff exchange, which is on the priority list of government’s Growth and Transformation Plan-II. At the same time, we are striving hard to achieve 60:40 ratio presenting teachers’ strength (60% Master, 40% PhD degrees) to ensure quality education and churn out skilled professionals.
On country-to-country ties, Indonesian envoy said his top priority is trade, investment and higher education. At the moment, Indonesia has five factories in Ethiopia producing garment, cosmetic, soap, detergent and noodles; and soon, Ethiopian Airlines will start direct flight to Jakarta.
On what attracted him to AMU, he said, we believe in cooperating across the board, and with AMU, it will depend as to what it need; if it prefers Bahir Dar University-type of joint research and staff exchange, then I will support it. Actually, I love AMU’s big campuses and its tens and thousands of students and hope it will be a kind of win-win situation for both, he added.
Later, at Senate Hall, Mr Imam Santoso gave a brief outline about Indonesian’s growing socio-cultural and economic prowess vis-à-vis the world. Accompanying Minister’s Counselor, Mr Budi Santoso, informed that Indonesia offers two types of scholarships i.e. Development Country and Darmasiswa Scholarship, the first primarily for Master students.
For Development Country Scholarship, one must not be over 35 years of age, has TOFEL with minimum score of 500 or any certified English proficiency proof. One can apply online (www.knb.rislekdikti.go.id) by April 30, 2018; the application has to be mailed to (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) Indonesian envoy in Addis Ababa and procure a recommendation letter from Embassy.
He informed that Indonesia annually offers 135 Master scholarships to students from developing nations and within five years’ time (2013-18) 19 Ethiopian students availed Master scholarships; while 27 of them are availing Darmasiswa Scholarship that is one-year non-degree program in Indonesian language.
He reiterated that Indonesian government doesn’t offer PhD scholarships, but those who completed Master, through advisors can look for doctoral scholarship from their respective universities.
Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Yechale Kebede, Academic Program Evaluation and Implementation Directorate Director, Dr Nigussie Tadege, Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele, few department heads and others were in attendance.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)