French Prime Minister Give Public Lecture at UI

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Prime Minister (PM) of France, Francois Fillon, giving a public lecture at the Central Council of the University of Indonesia (UI), Depok, West Java, on Friday (01/07/2011). The event was also attended by Minister of National Education (Education Minister), Mohammad Nuh, Rector of UI, Gumilar Rusliwa Soemantri, and the UI students, public lectures given Francois underlines the importance of French relations with Indonesia, especially in the areas of academic cooperation and research.

Francois expressed his pride could speak at one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Indonesia.

"Built over 150 years ago, the university was a symbol of modern Indonesia, where you embody the innovative spirit and you be the culprit," Francois said in the lectures.

He said the French government will support the major projects undertaken by Indonesian companies and cooperate with public authorities and industrial partners in Europe. The project in question is about the use of raw materials, infrastructure, road, rail and air lines, specialization in high technology or household consumption. In addition, he also said that cooperation in education would intensify because of French institutions in Indonesia will continue its efforts to open the French language training for tens of thousands of Indonesian children.

"French Institute in Indonesia will continue its efforts to open a French language teaching which will be attended by 50,000 young people of Indonesia are now learning French. Cooperation at university level and you will be more intensive in the UI is the main actor," he said.

"You in the UI has had a cooperation with a number of universities and schools of France, you will also co-signed a new cooperation and some students and prospective teachers are also in education in France," he added.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Mohammad Nuh said the bilateral relations between Indonesia and France has existed for a long time. It is established because the number of Indonesian students to study in France, began high school level or college level.

"From this place of cultural exchange. In the field of education, should really run with the sincerity of all parties. I hope the relationship, both between France and Indonesia, keep and not break through this education field. Because since 2009, the number of students Indonesia to continue his studies in France continues to increase, "said Noah.

UI rector, Gumilar Rusliwa Soemantri, hoping the arrival of PM of France, Francois Fillon, can provide a positive impact for the University of Indonesia.

"I thank the Prime Minister of France for agreeing to come to the UI. I hope that by coming here can bring him to good effect for French literature majors at UI," he said.