Speaking in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Monday, Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto said that Cambodia was chosen to host the BSBI because it has had the largest number of participants since the program's inception in 2003.
He observed that Cambodian citizens have shown a high level of enthusiasm for Indonesian culture.
The scholarship program marks the conclusion of a series of activities organized to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Indonesia-Cambodia diplomatic relations, he added.
"We have been conducting various activities throughout the year, with a special focus on our economic and trade partnership. However, we had not organized an activity related to art and culture," Darmosumarto said.
"It would be nice to conclude the 65th anniversary celebration with art and culture performances," he remarked.
Initiated by the Public Diplomacy Directorate of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in 2003, the BSBI program has a total of 1,071 alumni from 84 countries.
In 2020, program activities were held virtually due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the BSBI program has 30 awardees from Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
Vadsana Denchampa, a BSBI participant from Laos, said she is delighted with the program as it helps her gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture.
"This program is very good; I am very happy because I can learn about the culture. I am fascinated by Balinese dances; I love Indonesian culture," the young official at the Laotian Defense Ministry said in Phnom Penh.
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Translator: M. Arief , Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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