“We want more Indonesian students to pursue higher education in Europe,” he said during a meeting with President of the European Council, António Costa, in Brussels on Sunday.
Every year, Indonesia sends 3,394 students to pursue higher education in Europe, he informed, adding that so far, it has financed the studies of 11,784 Indonesians at universities on the continent.
In addition, Prabowo pointed out that many Indonesian academicians and senior government officials have pursued their higher education in Europe and have been influenced by European thought.
“In my opinion, the interaction between Europe and Indonesia in the fields of education and culture is so important,” he said, adding that European ideas have also influenced the political and legal systems of Indonesia.
He noted that Indonesia and the European Union share common interests. Thus, they can collaborate to seek solutions to common problems, he added.
He further emphasized that Indonesia is committed to maintaining peace because, without it, there can be no prosperity, and without prosperity, there can be no stability. This cycle needs to be preserved.
Therefore, Prabowo expressed his pleasure over Indonesia and the EU making breakthroughs in approving several deals.
During the meeting, he also invited reputable EU universities to open their branch campuses in Indonesia.
Foreign hospitals, including those in Europe, are also welcome to open their branches in Indonesia as the government wants to see more Europeans participate in the country’s economy, he said.
“We are also ready to enter the European Union’s economy,” he added.
During his official visit to Brussels, President Prabowo also met with EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium’s King Philippe Léopold Louis Marie.
From Brussels, the head of state headed to France to attend the Bastille Day parade at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
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Translator: Genta TM, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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