UIII-Iranian Embassy Forge Cultural and Academic Ties for 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) officially launched a strategic partnership with the Iranian Embassy Iran following a diplomatic visit by the embassy to the Depok campus on Friday, February 27, 2026.

This partnership, finalized between UIII Rector Jamhari Makruf and Iranian cultural delegates, aims to implement a series of academic and arts programs throughout the 2026 calendar year.

By integrating Iranian scholarship and traditional arts into the university environment, the partnership seeks to solidify UIII’s role as a primary center for global Islamic civilizational dialogue and international networking.

Jamhari highlighted that this collaboration cements Depok's reputation as a global hub for Islamic education and civilizational dialogue.

"This cooperation further strengthens Depok's position as a city of education that is active in the global dialogue of Islamic civilization, with UIII as its center. The permanent calligraphy mural to be produced is expected to become one of the new icons at the UIII campus," he stated, as quoted by Antara.

The Iranian delegation was led by Cultural Counsellor Yahya Jahan Giri, accompanied by Amir Rezaeipanah from the Secretariat of the Contemporary Islamic Civilization Festival. They were received by Jamhari alongside UIII’s leadership team, including vice rectors, deans, and the head of international relations.

Among the initiatives agreed upon is the enrollment of Iranian students at UIII to strengthen academic exchange between the two nations. Additionally, the university will host an art exhibition featuring works by Iranian artists on the UIII campus later this year.

A significant highlight of the agreement includes the arrival of two female calligraphy artists from Iran to create a permanent mural of traditional Iranian calligraphy on a campus wall. This artwork is intended to serve as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and Iran while enhancing the aesthetic value of the university grounds.

UIII has also received an official invitation to participate in the upcoming Contemporary Islamic Civilization Festival held in Iran. The Iranian delegation also invited UIII representatives to engage in dialogues involving scholars from Iran, Africa, and Arab nations, recognizing Indonesia's pivotal role in Southeast Asia. ***