COTABATO CITY—The government of Indonesia has pledged to bring 30 Islamic theology students on a scholarship program in Aceh, according to Imam Alzad Sattar, regional undersecretary for Islamic studies of the Department of Education-ARMM.
Sattar said scholarship agreement was forged last June 17 by the ARMM government, the Indonesian Embassy and the Yayasan Sukma School in the Aceh.
Aceh, an Indonesian region in Sumatra, is a known Islamic bastion with several government-run schools teaching Islamic theology courses.
According to lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., chief of staff of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, the 30 scholars, who will enjoy free tuition, textbooks, uniforms and accommodation are expected to become teachers upon their return to ARMM.
Mitmug said the scholarship program will benefit mostly the Madaris Education Bureau that handles Islamic peace education subjects in public schools.
Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM regional secretary, sees the partnership between ARMM and Indonesian government will complement the peace initiatives of the regional government.
Magno said they are finalizing the process of screening the scholars who would be sent to Aceh.