KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry has confirmed that, as of now, no Malaysian students are involved in the riots around the Indonesian capital since Aug 25.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said there are more than 1,200 Malaysian students studying across the country, including in Jakarta, Sumatra and Java Island.
He said the ministry, together with Wisma Putra (Foreign Affairs Ministry), were closely monitoring the latest developments, information and updates regarding the situation in Indonesia through Malaysia’s representative body, Education Malaysia Indonesia (EMI).
“So far, Alhamdulillah, we have not received any reports involving Malaysian students there.
“However, we will continue to monitor the situation, as the impact we see is not only in Jakarta, but also in other regions.”
He was met after the launch of the Institute Of Internationalisation And Asean Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and the book ‘Education Of The Interior: Essays In Honour Of Professor Syed Ali Ashraf’ at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation IIUM Kuala Lumpur campus today.
Commenting on the riots, Zambry said EMI had been regularly providing updates to Malaysian students in Indonesia.
“EMI is always in contact with the Malaysian students there, ensuring they are informed and advising them to stay away from the affected areas.”
Following the riots, Zambry expressed confidence that Indonesia would take the necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not persist.
“I believe with the leadership of the current Indonesian government, they will certainly do their best to address this issue.
“We hope that Indonesia will return to peace and stability, where all citizens can live well, which will also benefit neighbouring countries as Indonesia is very close to us, and the relationship between our countries is strong.
“We pray for a swift recovery.”
Yesterday, the media reported that the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) arrested 1,240 individuals, believed to be involved in the riots that had taken place in the capital city since Aug 25.
Protests last week at various locations around Jakarta, including in front of the People’s Representative Council building, escalated into chaos when irresponsible individuals were reported to have damaged public facilities such as TransJakarta bus stops and Jakarta MRT stations.
The Jakarta provincial government also recorded losses due to infrastructure damage in several areas, estimated to amount to Rp55 billion (approximately RM15.2 million).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
