MAN 2 Malang Student Flies to China for AFS Student Exchange Program

RRI.CO.ID, Malang - Ammar Raziq Syarifuddin, an 11th-grade student (Class XI-B) at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 2 Malang, has been selected to participate in the AFS Year Program in China, an international student exchange initiative. Ammar departed for China on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after receiving an official Admission Notice to pursue studies for one year at Huanan Peili School (桦南县培黎学校), spanning from August 2026 to June 2027.

Managed by Bina Antarbudaya, the program not only involves Ammar attending classes at Huanan Peili School but also requires him to live with a host family throughout his study period. Through this arrangement, Ammar has the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into China's education system, learn Mandarin, immerse himself in local cultural dynamics, and showcase Indonesia's rich culture on the international stage.

During his ten-month stay in China, Ammar is expected to hone his cross-cultural communication skills, leadership qualities, and sense of independence. The exchange program is designed to cultivate a young generation with a global perspective while ensuring they retain their national character and identity.

Speaking prior to his departure at Surabaya International Airport, Ammar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, which he secured after passing a rigorous selection process. "I am deeply grateful and never expected to be accepted into this AFS program. To me, this is not merely a study trip, but a significant trust and responsibility to uphold the good name of my family, my madrasah, and Indonesia. I am determined to absorb as much knowledge as possible while studying at Huanan Peili School, learn Chinese language and culture firsthand, and share the warmth and richness of Indonesian culture with the people there," he said.

Ammar also extended his thanks to everyone who supported him in reaching this milestone. "Many thanks to my parents for their unwavering support and prayers; to the Head of the Madrasah, Mr. Yoga, and the LDC-MADU MANJA team; as well as to the teachers and friends at MAN 2 Kota Malang who have constantly provided guidance, prayers, and motivation to help me reach this point," he added.

Ammar’s success has also drawn praise from the school administration. The Principal of MAN 2 Kota Malang, Samsudin, emphasized the school's commitment to enhancing the quality and global perspective of its students. "The achievement attained by Ammar Raziq Syarifuddin is a source of great pride for the entire academic community of MAN 2 Kota Malang. It proves that madrasah students are capable of competing at an international level," he stated.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the Head of the Language Development Center & International Partnership at MAN 2 Kota Malang, Mr. Ahmad Thohir Yoga, who has been guiding Ammar throughout the pre-departure preparation process.

Mr. Ahmad Thohir Yoga cited Ammar’s success as tangible proof of the effectiveness of the school's flagship innovation program, MAN 2 Kota Malang Menjelajah Dunia (MADU MANJA). "We believe Ammar can serve as a national ambassador of integrity and bring honor to both the madrasah and Indonesia on the global stage," he remarked.

Ammar’s participation in the AFS Year Program 2026–2027 further reinforces MAN 2 Kota Malang’s commitment to encouraging students to engage actively in global educational networks and to strengthening people-to-people connections between Indonesia and China.