Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 27 – Located at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, nineteen Cambodian students who received a Developing Countries Partnership scholarship (KNB), Darmasiswa, and a scholarship from Padang State University (UNP) received a briefing on Wednesday (26/7).

They will take non-degree education (for Darmasiswa awardees), and bachelor degree-doctoral degree in various disciplines in Indonesia, namely the University of Indonesia (1 person-KNB), Gadjah Mada University (1 person-KNB), Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (6 people-KNB), Padang State University (9 people), University of Muhammadiyah Malang (1 person-Darmasiswa), and Trisakti Tourism High School (1 person-Darmasiswa).

«Education cooperation is one of the focuses of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia. Education cooperation is the opening gate for creating cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia in various fields that are deeper, broader and long-term. In addition, educational cooperation plays an important role in disseminating Indonesian knowledge and culture in Cambodia, strengthening teaching and learning capacities which are part of public diplomacy, softpower diplomacy and strengthening Indonesia's image in Cambodia. Equally important is the education and improvement of Cambodia's human resources which are provided through scholarships which in turn are a return on investment for Indonesia,» said the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The CDA a.i. wishes all of the students a safe journey, happy learning while encourage them to explore Indonesia.

During the briefing, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh also gave a brief presentation on Indonesia and the bilateral cooperation between the two countries that had existed since 1959, the history of diplomatic relations marked by important milestones such as the arrival of King Norodom Sihanouk to led the Cambodian delegation at the Asia-Africa Summit in 1955, Indonesia's important role in peace efforts in Cambodia through the Jakarta Informal Meeting (JIM) I and II and the economic relations between the two countries which continue to show a positive trend post-Covid-19. The awardees of this scholarship seemed enthusiastic when the Embassy explained about various famous tourist destinations such as Borobudur and Bali as well as Indonesian products that are already known in Cambodia, which will be within reach when they study in Indonesia.