PADANG, WEST SUMATRA – Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Imam Bonjol Padang warmly welcomed a delegation from the International Creative Exchange (ICEINDO) on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The visit was led by the Chairman of ICE, Atta Ul Karim, and the Secretary-General of ICE, Faheem Iqbal.
The young figures from Pakistan were graciously received by the Rector of UIN Imam Bonjol Padang, Prof. Dr. Martin Kustati, M.Pd., in a highly cordial atmosphere at the Rectorate Building of Campus 3. Also present at the welcoming event were the Head of the International Office (IO), Renggi Vrika, M.Pd., along with the IO team, and the Head of the Public Relations Division, Mardius, M.M., with his staff.
Driving Academic Internationalization in Padang
During the meeting, the Rector shared that UIN Imam Bonjol Padang has been actively establishing various international partnerships to elevate academic quality. These initiatives include workshops, student mobility programs, and capacity-building efforts.
Consequently, the Rector expressed her full support for the potential ICE and UIN Padang collaboration as a strategic component of the university’s broader internationalization efforts.
ICE’s Vision and Deep Roots in Indonesia
In his address, Atta Ul Karim shared a personal and inspiring story regarding his family’s close ties to Indonesia. He recounted that in 1993, his parents migrated to Indonesia, drawn by the country’s strong commitment to tolerance.
This profound affection for the nation ultimately inspired Atta to establish ICE on May 23, 2024, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad, Pakistan. ICE operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening cross-national cooperation, specifically in the realms of culture, education, training, and creative technology.
One of ICE’s flagship initiatives is the development of the digital platform www.pakistanindonesia.com, which focuses on promoting Indonesia’s immense potential through publications, training, and international collaboration.
Global Opportunities: Bringing Minangkabau Culture to the World Stage
Seizing this momentous occasion, ICE extended a strategic opportunity for UIN Imam Bonjol Padang students to contribute globally. Students are encouraged to submit written works detailing Minangkabau culture and other positive local narratives, helping to introduce Indonesia to an international audience.
Faheem Iqbal, as Secretary-General of ICE, further emphasized that the organization is highly open to designing customized partnerships tailored specifically to the unique needs and characteristics of UIN Imam Bonjol Padang.
In response to this innovative offer, Rector Prof. Martin Kustati suggested coordinating the writing program with the university’s student activity unit, Bengkel Kata (The Word Workshop).
“This unit has been exceptionally active in journalism and creative writing, making it an ideal strategic partner to help channel our students’ works onto the international stage,” the Rector noted.
Following the productive discussion, the Rector invited the ICE delegation for a campus tour. They visited state-of-the-art facilities, including the main library, smart classrooms, and eventually relaxed at the Atas Langit canteen – a favorite hub for students to hang out and hold intellectual discussions. This visit is anticipated to be the solid foundation for deeper cultural and educational diplomacy between Indonesia and Pakistan, driven by the active participation of students in West Sumatra.
