The Indonesia Education Fair (IEF) 2024 kicked off in Yala Province, southern Thailand, on December 11, offering local students valuable opportunities to pursue higher education in Indonesia. Organized by the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Songkhla in collaboration with Yala Rajabhat University, the fair attracted over 1,000 participants from Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces.
In his opening remarks, Suargana Pringganu, the Consul of Indonesia in Songkhla, highlighted the long-standing cooperative relationship between Indonesia and southern Thailand. “Education is a key aspect that will strengthen these ties and significantly contribute to the development of communities, particularly in southern Thailand,” he stated, underscoring the role of education in fostering closer bilateral relations.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The Indonesia Education Fair featured more than 30 Indonesian universities and higher education institutions, each offering a range of academic programs for students from southern Thailand. The event provided a platform for students to explore various study options, including scholarships, exchange programs, and joint research opportunities. During the event, 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Yala Rajabhat University and several Indonesian universities and education consortia, further solidifying educational collaboration between the two nations.
“The IEF 2024 creates opportunities to enhance various forms of collaboration among education stakeholders in southern Thailand and Indonesia,” said Consul Pringganu during the MoU signing ceremony. The agreements focus on fostering academic partnerships, student exchange programs, and research collaborations, which are expected to strengthen educational ties and provide more opportunities for students in both countries.
Support for Thai Students Pursuing Education in Indonesia
The fair also highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to supporting Thai students through scholarships. The Indonesian government has consistently promoted educational opportunities for international students, with programs such as the Darmasiswa scholarship for studying the Indonesian language and the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) scholarship, which offers opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in Indonesia.
In 2024, 10 students from southern Thailand were awarded Darmasiswa scholarships, while four others are continuing their master’s degrees through the KNB program. These scholarships are part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to attract international students and promote cultural and educational exchanges.
The event was officially opened by Mr. Ampon Pongsuwan, the Governor of Yala Province, who expressed his appreciation for the fair. “This event provides great opportunities for the people of southern Thailand to pursue further studies at Indonesian institutions, supported by the scholarships offered by IEF participants and other channels,” Governor Ampon said, praising the fair for its role in expanding educational opportunities for local students.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Ties Through Education
As the Indonesia Education Fair 2024 concluded, participants and visitors alike expressed strong appreciation for the event, with many hoping that similar events will continue in the future. The fair not only introduced students to Indonesian educational opportunities but also laid the groundwork for stronger educational partnerships between Thailand and Indonesia.
The success of IEF 2024 reflects Indonesia’s growing role as an educational hub in Southeast Asia, offering a wide array of academic programs and fostering international collaboration. The fair also reinforced the importance of education as a means of building bridges and strengthening bilateral ties between nations, particularly in southern Thailand, where the demand for higher education continues to grow.
With continued support from both governments, future education fairs and scholarship programs are expected to create even more opportunities for Thai students to explore new academic horizons in Indonesia.