EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Yemen’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Salem Ahmed Abdulrahman Balfakeeh, visited the Muhammadiyah Central Board on Wednesday (12/8) to discuss stronger ties between Indonesia and Yemen.
The meeting focused on education and cultural cooperation, as well as efforts to promote peace and stability in Yemen.
Balfakeeh was received by Muhammadiyah Central Board Chairperson Syafiq Mughni and Imam Addaruqutni, Chairperson of the Central Board’s International Relations and Cooperation Department (LHKI).
During the meeting, the ambassador called for greater student and university exchanges between Indonesia and Yemen. He said educational ties between the two countries were already strong, with thousands of Indonesians studying in Yemen.
“There are around 8,000 Indonesian students in Yemen. Some study at Darul Mustafa, while others study in Tarim, Seiyun, Al-Ahqaf University and other educational institutions,” Balfakeeh said.
He argued that the large number of Indonesian studying in Yemen should be matched by greater opportunities for Yemeni students to study in Indonesia. Muhammadiyah, he added, could help expand those educational links.
“We hope Muhammadiyah can help create a balance in student exchanges. We hope Yemeni students can study in Indonesia, while Indonesian students can study in Yemen.” He said.
Syafiq welcomed the proposal. He said Indonesia and Yemen have longstanding historical ties, particularly between Indonesian communities and Hadhramaut.
“We heard an interesting account of the relationship between Yemen and Indonesia, which was once known as the Nusantara. That is why cooperation between Indonesia and Yemen has continued,” Syafiq said.
He said educational cooperation could include student exchanges and opportunities for Muhammadiyah students to conduct research in Yemen.
“Some students will come to Indonesia to study at Muhammadiyah universities, while Muhammadiyah students can study at universities in Yemen. This includes students writing their theses or dissertations, particularly on the Middle East or areas around Yemen,” Syafiq said.
Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy
Education was not the only area discussed. Balfakeeh also pointed to longstanding cultural ties between Indonesia and Yemen, particularly Hadhramaut. He cited similarities in traditions, music, songs and cuisine as evidence of the connection between the two societies.
“The relationship between Yemen, particularly Hadhramaut, and Indonesia is not only rooted in educational history but also in culture. Yemeni songs are widely sung by Muslims in Indonesia. There are even similarities in food and traditions,” he said.
To deepen those ties, the two sides are exploring a cultural collaboration involving an orchestra featuring Yemeni and Indonesian musicians.
“We hope to carry out a joint project, an orchestral collaboration between Yemeni and Indonesian musicians. This will further strengthen ties between our peoples and nations through cultural diplomacy,” Balfakeeh said.
Yemen Seeks Indonesia’s Support
The ambassador also briefed Muhammadiyah on Yemen’s prolonged conflict. He called on Indonesia and the international community to play a stronger role in promoting a political settlement and regional stability.
Balfakeeh said Yemen’s internationally recognized government continues to pursue negotiations to end the conflict. Prolonged warfare, he argued, would only deepen the losses suffered by ordinary Yemenis.
“The official Yemeni government continues to pursue peace negotiations because we believe that if the war continues, the Yemeni people will be the ones who suffer,” he said.
He also highlighted the conflict’s impact on shipping security in the Red Sea. Continued instability could disrupt international trade and affect Indonesian interests, he said.
Therefore, Balfakeeh urged the international community to go beyond political statements. He called for concrete measures to halt attacks, prevent further escalation and support Yemen’s economic and political recovery.
“We hope for support and concrete action from the Indonesian government and the international community to help the Yemeni government create stability and stop attacks carried out by the Houthi militias,” he said.
The meeting highlighted three potential avenues for deeper Indonesia-Yemen relations: education, cultural exchange and peace diplomacy. (taufik)
