Jakarta – The State Islamic University (UIN) Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi is looking to expand its international reach by strengthening ties with Sudan, positioning the country as a gateway for academic collaboration across Africa.
On 13 May 2026, a delegation from UIN Jambi, led by Dion Ginanto, Ph.D, International Office director, and Ali Ubaidah, S.TP, visited the Embassy of Sudan in Jakarta. They were received by Sudan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Dr. Yassir Mohamed Ali Mohamed, along with Education Attaché Mohammed Khalil and Education Assistant Mr. Fahmi.
The meeting highlighted UIN Jambi’s commitment to internationalisation. This year, the university is set to welcome ten Sudanese students at undergraduate level. While UIN Jambi has yet to establish formal partnerships with Sudanese universities, the country’s strategic position as one of Africa’s largest nations offers significant potential for collaboration.
Discussions covered opportunities for academic exchange, including sending lecturers to Sudan and inviting Sudanese academics to teach in Jambi. Ambassador Yassir Mohamed Ali Mohamed expressed optimism about the partnership. “We welcome the arrival of UIN Jambi’s delegation, especially as we have learned that ten Sudanese students will soon begin their studies there,” he said.
He added that Sudan could serve as a hub for UIN Jambi to access Africa’s education market. “You will not easily win the Asian market, where competition is strong with countries like Japan, China and Singapore. But in Africa, particularly Sudan, where the majority are Muslim as in Indonesia, we can open the door for recruiting international students,” the ambassador explained.
Dion Ginanto conveyed greetings from UIN Jambi’s leadership and requested support in verifying documents for incoming Sudanese students. He also extended an invitation for the ambassador to visit Jambi once the students have arrived.
The ambassador further pledged to connect UIN Jambi with Sudanese institutions, including the International University of Africa, and to explore links with Ethiopia and Tanzania.
With Sudan positioned as a strategic partner, UIN Jambi hopes to strengthen its role as a global academic institution and broaden its presence in Africa’s growing education sector.