Education

Indonesia revives ‘Bandung Spirit’ in Africa, offers scholarships to Kenyan students

Asian and African leaders where revival of Bandung Spirit was discussed.

By Foreign Reporter | Thursday, February 1, 2024

Indonesia is actively working to revive the Bandung Spirit in Africa by forming alliances with universities in Kenya.

Indonesia is actively working to revive the Bandung Spirit in Africa by forming alliances with universities in Kenya. The country aims to leverage existing exchange programs as a gateway to the region and the continent.

Through a strategy of "educational diplomacy," Indonesia is promoting fully sponsored scholarships for developing countries, including Kenya. The scholarships, open from January to February 23, will be granted to Kenyan and African students to study at Indonesian universities. This initiative is part of Indonesia's plan to expand and enhance relations between the country and Africa.

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The Indonesian embassy in Nairobi stated that these opportunities, managed by the Indonesian Education Ministry (KNB), provide an experience of studying in top universities in Indonesia while living in one of the world's most diverse and vibrant societies.

Indonesian universities will also engage in joint collaboration programs, including staff and student exchanges and joint research. This collaboration will allow teaching staff in Africa to advance their studies in Indonesian universities.

The scholarship program, known as KNB, was conceived during the 10th Conference of Heads of States of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries in September 1992. Officials from Kenya attended this forum held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Bandung Conference in 1955 brought together officials from twenty-nine Asian and African states to discuss peace, the role of the Third World in the Cold War, economic development, and decolonization. The guiding principles included political self-determination, mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in domestic affairs, and equality.

The 1992 summit in Jakarta led to the establishment of the KNB scholarship, now utilized as a soft power strategy to promote Indonesia's interests globally.

Applicants interested in bachelor, master's, or doctoral programs need to demonstrate proof of their academic background and provide various letters of recommendation. Jakarta will cover the student visa, a monthly stipend, allowances for flights to Indonesia, research and book allowances monthly in Indonesia during the scholarship. Health insurance and tuition fees for the program will also be provided.

As Indonesia strengthens its educational ties with Kenya, it aims to foster collaboration and cultural exchange.