Sudan Seeks Stronger Ties with Indonesia in Trade, Culture and Education
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- Sudan has invited Indonesia to expand cooperation in business, culture and education, according to its ambassador in Jakarta.
- Bilateral trade is still under US$50 million, but Sudan says the room for growth is significant, especially in energy and agriculture.
- Sudan also proposed deeper education and cultural links, including exchanges, scholarships and joint research, while noting limited numbers of Sudanese students in Indonesia.
The statement was delivered by Sudan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr. Yassir Mohammed Ali, during a media gathering in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Ambassador Yassir said the initiative aims to strengthen the two countries’ economic and social ties while supporting Sudan’s national stability.
“The Sudanese government continues to work to enhance national stability in order to strengthen this collaboration,” he said.
He also highlighted the long history of Indonesia–Sudan relations, including the role of Sudanese Islamic scholars such as Sheikh Ahmad Surkati, who preached in Indonesia more than a century ago.
Sheikh Ahmad Surkati was a Sudanese scholar who previously taught at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. He arrived in Indonesia in 1912, founded the Al Irsyad da’wah and education organization, and helped reinforce the spirit of resistance against Dutch colonialism.
When he died in 1943, President Sukarno paid his respects and accompanied Surkati’s funeral procession to the cemetery, a gesture seen as a mark of state honor.
Ambassador Yassir encouraged cooperation in education, including student exchanges, scholarships and research partnerships, as well as cultural cooperation through arts exchanges and the promotion of cultural heritage.
He said the number of Sudanese students studying in Indonesia remained relatively limited.
“For the figure, there has not been an official number released,” he said.
Meanwhile, the number of Indonesian students currently recorded as studying in Sudan stands at around 838. The data comes from the Indonesian Students Association in Sudan (PPI Sudan), which has tracked Indonesian students registered in the country before and during the ongoing conflict.
In the business sector, opportunities for investment and trade are also being expanded, particularly in energy, agriculture and general trade.
On bilateral trade, Ambassador Yassir said the current value remains relatively small—less than US$ 50 million (around Rp 839.4 billion). Indonesia exports apparel, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and palm oil, while Sudan exports peanuts, sesame and cotton.
“Trade volume is still small, so the potential for growth is very large. The Sudanese government invites Indonesian investors to invest and is ready to facilitate needs related to land, permits and security,” he said.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
