Jeddah, September 8, 2026 — The Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) visited the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah as part of its efforts to strengthen relations and explore opportunities for collaboration in education for the Indonesian community in Jeddah. The visit was led by Farid Ahmadi, S.Kom., M.Kom., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FIPP UNNES, and was warmly welcomed by Soeharyo Tri Sasongko of the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah.
During the meeting, FIPP UNNES and the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah discussed various issues related to the provision of education for Indonesian children and educators in Jeddah. One of the key topics was the opportunity for teachers in Jeddah to pursue higher education in Indonesia. Such collaboration is expected to provide a pathway for strengthening the capacity and competence of educators while also fostering stronger connections between educational institutions in Indonesia and Indonesian educational communities abroad.
The discussion also highlighted the development of Sekolah Indonesia Jeddah (SIJ), including the need for improved educational facilities. SIJ is currently working toward the development of a new school building through a 50-year lease scheme. This development is intended not only to provide better physical facilities but also to strengthen human resources, particularly the quality and capacity of teachers. In addition, efforts are being made to integrate SIJ’s educational programs with the Sekolah Rakyat program.
Another issue of concern was the condition of Indonesian children who have lived in Jeddah for many years, some of whom have never experienced living or studying in Indonesia. This situation may create adaptation challenges when they enter the Indonesian education system. The discussion also addressed psychological challenges faced by some students, including those who continue their education at the senior high school level in Indonesia but may not yet have sufficient mental readiness. This highlights the importance of strengthening guidance and counseling services as well as psychosocial support for students.
Through this visit, FIPP UNNES and the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah are expected to continue strengthening communication and creating broader opportunities for collaboration, particularly in improving the quality of educators, strengthening educational services, and supporting the development of Indonesian children in Jeddah. This collaboration reflects FIPP UNNES’s commitment to contributing to the advancement of Indonesian education, not only domestically but also for Indonesian communities abroad.
