Imam Bonjol State Islamic University (UIN) Padang welcomed a visit from the Chair of the International Creatives Exchange (ICEINDO), Atta Ul Karim, and the Secretary-General of ICE, Faheem Iqbal. The young figures from Pakistan were warmly received by the Rector of UIN Imam Bonjol Padang in a friendly and cordial atmosphere at the Rectorate of UIN Imam Bonjol’s Campus 3. (21/05/25)
Also present at the welcoming event were the Head of the International Office of UIN Imam Bonjol Padang, Renggi Vrika, M.Pd., along with members of the IO team. From the Public Relations Division, Mardius, M.M., Head of the PR Team, attended with his staff.
During the meeting, the Rector of UIN Imam Bonjol shared that the university has established various international partnerships to enhance academic quality, including workshops, student mobility programs, and other capacity-building initiatives. Therefore, the Rector expressed his support for the potential collaboration with ICE as part of the university’s internationalization efforts.
In his speech, Atta Ul Karim shared his family’s close ties with Indonesia. He recounted that in 1993, his parents chose to migrate to Indonesia, seeing it as a country that upholds strong values of tolerance. This deep affection for Indonesia later inspired Atta to establish ICE on May 23, 2024, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad, Pakistan.
ICE is a non-profit organization aimed at strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and other countries, particularly in the fields of culture, education, training, and creative technology. One of ICE’s flagship programs is the development of the digital platform www.pakistanindonesia.com, which focuses on promoting Indonesia’s potential through publications, training, and cross-national collaboration.
On this occasion, Atta opened opportunities for UIN Imam Bonjol students to contribute through written works about Minangkabau culture and other positive aspects that could help introduce Indonesia to the world.
Faheem Iqbal, as Secretary-General of ICEINDO, also expressed that ICE is very open to forming partnerships that are tailored to the needs and characteristics of UIN Imam Bonjol Padang.
In response, the Rector suggested that the program be coordinated with the university’s student activity unit, Bengkel Kata (The Word Workshop). According to him, this unit has been actively engaged in journalism and creative writing, making it a strategic partner to help channel students’ works to the international stage.
After the meeting, the Rector invited Atta Ul Karim for a tour around the campus. Some of the spots visited included the library, the smart classroom, and Atas Langit canteen—a favorite hangout for students to relax and hold discussions.
This visit is expected to mark the beginning of broader and deeper collaboration between UIN Imam Bonjol Padang and ICE, especially in the efforts to strengthen cultural and educational diplomacy between Indonesia and Pakistan.
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