Lecturer at a leading university in Ethiopia, Dubale Gebeyehu, attended the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali last September. Based on this experience, Dubale then had the opportunity to visit Jakarta and see the Asian and African Museum (MAA) in Bandung, facilitated by the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Before visiting Indonesia, Dubale often gave presentations about Indonesia at various forums in Ethiopia, but he himself had never set foot in Indonesia.
The lecturer at Hawassa University visited Jakarta and Bandung on Thursday (7/11) afternoon. Upon returning to his country, Dubale delivered a presentation about Indonesia in front of 200 3rd grade students at St. D. Comboni Secondary School (high school level) in the city of Hawassa, 300 km south of the city of Addis Ababa. Also present were 15 school teachers.
“Dubale delivered a presentation about Indonesia, including various Indonesian developments that he saw and felt while in Indonesia, especially in the fields of education, economy and tourism as well as opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Ethiopia,” said the Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti and the African Union , Al Busyra Basnur, in his press statement, Friday (8/11).
The event entitled Indonesia, an Ethiopian Perspective it was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa in collaboration with St. D. Comboni Secondary School, Hawassa.
This activity received a warm welcome from school students. Moreover, after the presentation, a competition was held to answer several questions about Indonesia with prizes of dozens of books written by Duber Al Busyra. (B-3)
#Ethiopian #Lecturers #Increase #Understanding #Indonesia #Among #Students
**Interview with Dubale Gebeyehu: Enhancing Understanding of Indonesia in Ethiopia**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Associate Professor Dubale Gebeyehu from Hawassa University in Ethiopia. You recently attended the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum in Bali and had the chance to explore Indonesia. Could you share what motivated you to attend this forum?
*Dubale Gebeyehu:* Thank you for having me. I’ve always been passionate about promoting understanding between Indonesia and Ethiopia. Attending the Indonesia Africa Forum was a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge and network with others who share similar interests in fostering collaboration between our regions.
*Editor:* That’s fascinating! You mentioned that prior to this trip, you had been presenting about Indonesia in Ethiopia without ever having visited. How did your understanding of Indonesia change after experiencing it firsthand?
*Dubale Gebeyehu:* It was transformative. While I had gathered information and insights through research and discussions, visiting Indonesia allowed me to experience its rich culture and history directly. I visited significant landmarks, including the Asian and African Museum in Bandung, which provided me with a broader context that I couldn’t have grasped through presentations alone.
*Editor:* It sounds like a rewarding experience! After your visit, you returned to Ethiopia and gave a presentation to students about Indonesia. What key messages did you want to convey to them?
*Dubale Gebeyehu:* I wanted to inspire curiosity about Indonesia among my students and highlight the importance of cultural exchange. I emphasized Indonesia’s diversity, its unique traditions, and the potential for future collaborations between our countries. This exchange, I believe, can foster mutual respect and deeper connections.
*Editor:* That’s an important message. How do you believe initiatives like the Indonesia Africa Forum can impact educational and cultural exchanges between the two regions?
*Dubale Gebeyehu:* Initiatives like the IAF are crucial. They not only facilitate dialogue but also pave the way for partnerships in education, trade, and cultural exchange. By fostering relationships, we can better understand each other’s challenges and strengths, ultimately leading to a more interconnected and harmonious future.
*Editor:* Thank you, Dubale. Your insights into Indonesia’s impact on your work and your students are invaluable. We look forward to seeing how your efforts will continue to bridge the gap between Ethiopia and Indonesia.
*Dubale Gebeyehu:* Thank you for having me. I’m excited about the potential for growth and understanding between our nations!
