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The 4th International Student Summit 2015 event at University of Muhammadyah Malang (UMM) ended, today (18/11). The closing event held in Bromo Mountain was memorable because hundred participants from 33 countries had to say good bye to their new friends.
One of the summit agendas is the appointment of the new president of Indonesia International Student Association (IISA) for 2015-2016 period. Abdullah Kasor, Thai student of University of State Malang (UM), is appointed as the new president replacing Mona Boughalni from Tunisia, a student of Padjajaran University.
The atmosphere during the summit is really peaceful and friendly. Kasor, a Moslem student, stated that he didn’t receive any impact of the recent terrorist action in Paris. Kasor was disappointed that the media corner Islam in the recent Paris accident.
“This is what we are disappointed to. The media seems to lit fire among religions. I believe that there is no religion that teaches evil thing,” he asserted.
The Rector of UMM, Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, MAP, stated that these international students have to be not only promotion ambassador but also messenger of humanism for Indonesia. “Every religions don’t teach any harm. So does Islam. That’s why it is unfair relating certain religion to terrorism,” he said.
The international students in Indonesia are expected to be a bridge in spreading this peace message of Indonesia to the world. “Indonesia is unique. There are various ethnics and religions here but we can live harmoniously and peacefully. The tolerance in Indonesia is beautiful,” said Mona Boughalni, ex-president of Indonesia International Student Association.
In line with Kasor and Mona, Wang Qun from China, asks people to open their eyes so that they can see the Paris tragedy more objectively. “That was neither issues of politic nor religion,” she said.
The chosen Vice President of IISA 2015-2016, Hayder Al Hadey, supports that statement. This Sudanese student thought that the recent accident in Paris don’t have any relation with Islamophobia in France. “In fact, the Moslems in France are willing to help the other people. As the biggest Moslem country in the world, Indonesia should rise their voice to this tragedy. Give them example how Indonesia people live harmoniously and peacefully to the world,” he said.
Leon Gilberto Medellin Lopez also hopes for the world peace. The Mexican student thinks that Indonesia can be a role model of how tolerance goes among its people. “I’m happy studying in Indonesia. There are various ethnics and religions here but they aren’t separated and remain as one. It’s like their national slogan ‘Bhineka Tunggal Ika’,” said Leon, who study in Jogjakarta.
Kasor said that he will consolidate all international students in Indonesia. Then the new programs will be made after that. “We will design the new program after we find the problems then proposed it to the Dikti,” he said. ISS is an annual event of Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia. UMM is the first private university ever to host this event.
Before the closing event at Bromo, the participants went to Wonokitri Village, Pasuruan District and were welcomed by the Pasuruan District’s representative, Drs. Abdul Munifar, S.H, M.Pd, economy assistant of Pasuruan District Government. These international students were welcomed by Pasuruan traditional dance and cuisines. (zul/nas/t_rfd)
