DEPOK – The Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) welcomed a cultural delegation from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, February 27, 2026, in a meeting that yielded concrete plans for academic and artistic collaboration this year.

The delegation, led by the Cultural Counselor of the Iranian Embassy, Dr. Yahya Jahan Giri, and accompanied by Dr. Amir Rezaeipanah from the Secretariat of the Contemporary Islamic Civilization Festival, was warmly welcomed by the Rector of UIII, Prof. Jamhari, in his office meeting room.

Following the welcome, a broader meeting was held with the university’s leadership. UIII was represented by a distinguished panel including Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, MA (Acting Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Director of Library and Culture); Prof. Dr. Amsal Bakhtiar (Acting Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and Business Development); Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, MA (University Secretary); Prof. Nina Nurmila, PhD (Dean of the Faculty of Education), Saiful Umam, Ph.D. (Director of Research and Cooperation); M. Yazid, Lc (Head of International Office), and few lecturers.

During the discussions, several key collaborative initiatives were outlined. A major point of the plan involves Iran sending students to pursue their studies at UIII, strengthening the academic ties and cultural exchange between the two institutions.

In the realm of arts and culture, the visit will bear fruit later this year with a planned art exhibition featuring Iranian artists and painters on the UIII campus. In a unique and lasting gesture of friendship, Counselor Giri also extended a special offer for two Iranian female calligraphy artists to visit UIII. Their mission will be to create a permanent piece of art by painting a wall on the campus with traditional Iranian-style calligraphy.

Extending the spirit of collaboration beyond the campus, Dr. Amir Rezaeipanah officially invited UIII to participate in the upcoming Contemporary Islamic Civilization Festival in Iran next year. He highlighted that the festival serves as a major platform for intellectual and cultural exchange among Islamic nations. The invitation includes a call for UIII scholars and representatives to engage in the festival’s various programs, showcasing Indonesian Islamic thought and scholarship on an international stage.

Dr. Rezaeipanah further elaborated that Iran is planning to hold a high-level dialogue involving scholars from Iran, Africa, and the Arab World. He specifically extended an invitation for Indonesia to also participate in this trilateral dialogue, recognizing the country’s unique position and significant role within the global Islamic community. This invitation underscores Iran’s interest in fostering a broader, more inclusive conversation on contemporary Islamic civilization that includes Southeast Asia’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

The visit underscores UIII’s commitment to building robust international networks and fostering cultural dialogue. The proposed initiatives, from academic exchanges to a permanent artistic installation, signal a deepening relationship between UIII and Iran’s academic and cultural community. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing strong enthusiasm for realizing these plans throughout the year. []