Indonesia-Slovakia Explore Cooperation in Education, Religious Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Slovakia are seeking new avenues of cooperation, particularly in education and religious diplomacy, following a bilateral discussion between Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Minister Nasaruddin expressed his hope to expand educational collaboration between the two countries, including plans to send Indonesian students to Slovakia and welcome Slovak students to Indonesia. Such exchanges, he noted, would enrich learning experiences and strengthen cultural ties.

“We hope to establish more cooperation in education, including sending Indonesian students to Slovakia and receiving Slovak students in Indonesia,” Minister Nasaruddin said, as quoted on the Ministry's official website.

He also opened the possibility of sending lecturers from various religious backgrounds in Indonesia to study the dynamics of faith in Europe, particularly Slovakia. 

“We can send lecturers to learn about specific identities there, such as the relationship between Catholics and Protestants, or Catholics and other religions. Your country has built strong cooperation among different faiths,” he explained.

Umar further emphasized the importance of European cultural understanding for Indonesian students, especially those from Asia. He highlighted how exposure to Western traditions could broaden perspectives and strengthen religious diplomacy, which in turn could help address environmental issues and foster interfaith harmony in Indonesia.

For his part, Minister Blanar underscored the value of student exchanges and announced scholarship opportunities for foreign students in Slovakia, particularly in technical fields and other areas of expertise. 

“We offer scholarships for foreign students in Slovakia, especially in engineering and other skills. I hope we can cooperate in student exchanges and promote religious coexistence,” he said.

Minister Blanar also praised Indonesia’s efforts in maintaining religious and cultural harmony. “I am very impressed with what you are doing and how you manage coexistence in your country. We hope this cooperation will bring benefits across many fields,” he added.

The discussion opened significant opportunities for Indonesia and Slovakia to strengthen bilateral ties, with both nations expressing commitment to expanding student exchange programs and initiatives that encourage cross-cultural and interfaith understanding.

“We can provide a complete picture of our history, our relations with other religions, and our traditions. This is an extraordinary opportunity for both countries to share with one another,” Minister Blanar concluded. ***