Saudi Cultural Days' Events Opened in Indonesia

Minister of National Education Anies Baswedan — Minister of Education and Culture Anies Baswedan

Jakarta, 17 Jumadil Akhir 1437/27 March 26 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture Anis Baswedan opened here on Saturday, in the presence of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Information for External Media and Head of the Saudi delegation Dr. Abdul Mohsen bin Farouk Elias and the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Mustafa bin Ibrahim Al-Mubark, events of the Saudi cultural days, at the National Museum.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid, other Indonesian officials, and a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors.

Anies said that Saudi Arabia is a country that annually most visited by Indonesians for religious practices, both Hajj and Umrah. However at the time of worship they would have little opportunity and time to get to know the typical Arab culture.

“What country most visited by Indonesians. The answer is Saudi Arabia. But not all can feel like what I felt before, that I was here greeted with a welcome dance typical Saudi culture,” said the former rector of the Paramadina University.

Saudi Arabia’s Culture Week is first held during the establishment of the friendship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Education Minister hoped that this cultural interaction events could further strengthen the relationship.

“It is for the first time the event is held, but the ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have existed for hundreds of years. The event is a sign that we have a very strong bond. The bond of friendship will be a stronger interaction between our cultures,” said Anies. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)