JAKARTA — Yemen’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Salem Belfaqih, met with Professor Jamhari Ma’ruf, President of the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the embassy headquarters in Jakarta to discuss academic cooperation and scholarship opportunities for Yemeni students.

According to a statement from the Yemeni Embassy in Jakarta, the two sides focused on expanding educational partnerships, academic exchange programs, and capacity-building initiatives between Yemen and Indonesia.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination in areas that serve the mutual interests of both countries and strengthen bilateral relations, the embassy said.

The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Yemen, with both parties underlining the value of continued coordination in supporting peace efforts and stability in the country. UIII delegate include Vice Rector for academic and student affairs Dr Phil Syafiq Hasyim, accompanied by M. Yazid and M. Kadafi from international student and academic offices.

A Growing Educational Partnership

The talks come amid broader efforts to deepen higher education ties between Jakarta and Sana’a. In July 2026, Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, met with Ambassador Belfaqih to explore closer cooperation in academia and research.

At that time, officials noted that approximately 8,000 Indonesian students were studying at Yemeni universities and educational institutions, while only about 270 Yemeni students were enrolled in Indonesia — a gap both sides have expressed interest in closing through greater two-way student mobility.

The ambassador also indicated Yemen’s willingness to facilitate visas for Indonesian students and scholars and proposed restoring access for Yemeni students to Indonesia’s KNB scholarship program for developing countries.

UIII’s International Vision

UIII, located in Depok, West Java, serves as a key platform for Indonesia’s efforts to internationalize Islamic higher education. Under Professor Jamhari Ma’ruf, who has led the university since November 2023, UIII has sought to attract students and scholars from across the Muslim world.

In August 2026, the university held its first doctoral graduation ceremony, with 34 graduates from 22 countries — a milestone reflecting its growing international profile.

Analysts say the embassy meeting aligns with UIII’s strategy of expanding its global academic network and offering Yemeni students new opportunities for higher education in Indonesia, while also giving Indonesia a larger footprint in educational diplomacy in the Middle East.