Saudi universities have graduated several prominent Indonesian figures, who served their country and fellow countermen with honor, according to Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Al-Jufri.

The minister, who is also a former Indonesian ambassador to the Kingdom, revealed this during his visit to Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Riyadh as part of his state visit to the Kingdom.

Al-Jufri was received by the university’s Rector Suleiman bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail, the Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and a number of significant university officials.

“Indonesian students, who have graduated from the IMSIU and its Jakarta branch, have now become some of the most prominent public figures in Indonesia,” he said, adding that several alumni of IMSIU are now serving the country as Indonesian government officials.

The minister commended Saudi humanitarian services, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman, provided to Islamic nations and the Indonesian people in particular.

He also expressed gratitude to IMSIU Rector Aba Al-Khail for being attentive to the needs of Indonesian students, and highlighted the university’s efforts in selecting moderate and advanced textbook content for the students.

Al-Jufri revealed that the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs plans to sign an MoU with the university in order to take advantage of IMSIU’s expertise in social issues.

Referring to the recently concluded dialogue, “Followers of Religions and Civilizations: Facts and Future Visions” — which was part of King Abdullah’s initiative — Al-Jufri emphasized the Indonesian people’s appreciation for this initiative. The interfaith dialogue was held in Jakarta recently, organized by IMSIU.

“Interfaith dialogue creates an atmosphere of understanding between religions and fosters mutual cooperation, tolerance and respect, especially in a country with seven different religions and faiths coexisting,” said Al-Jufri.

Al-Khail emphasized the university’s appreciation of the increasing number of Indonesian students applying to IMSIU and the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in Jakarta, attributing this phenomenon to the “depth of the brotherly relationship between Saudis and Indonesians.” He noted that IMSIU has become “a source of inspiration and a destination for students from different Islamic countries.”

“Our university will not hesitate to participate in any project or joint study that can develop and strengthen the relationship between us and our brothers in Indonesia,” he said, referring to the possibility of establishing an academic research and social council.

Referring to the interfaith dialogue, Al-Khail said the seminar had been fruitful and constructive in creating awareness on the importance of dialogue between religions and civilizations. It also identified points of unity between the different religions and civilizations, and introduced participants to the Islamic perspective on interfaith dialogue.