Banda Aceh, Indonesia – Twenty-five first-year students from the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, conducted an academic visit to Aceh as part of a short-term mobility program.
Head of Cooperation and Public Relations for the Wali Nanggroe, Zulfikar Idris, stated that the group, led by Dr. Saznizam Sazmee Sinoh, was officially welcomed by the Wali Nanggroe, His Excellency Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haythar, in Meuligoe Wali Nanggroe, Banda Aceh, as part of their visit agenda on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
The Wali Nanggroe was accompanied by Special Staff Dr. Mohammad Raviq, Dr. Rustam Effendi, and Member of the Wali Nanggroe Council, Tgk. Darwies Djeunieb.
During the audience, Dr. Dr. Saznizam expressed his respect and gratitude for the warm welcome they received during their stay in Aceh.
"This visit is not just an academic one, but also a golden opportunity for us to learn more about the culture, history, and extraordinary spirit of the Acehnese people," he said.
Dr. Saznizam explained that this program was organized in collaboration with Universiti Malaya and the Muhammadiyah University of Aceh (Ummuha). For five days, the students stayed on the Ummuha campus and visited several historical and cultural sites in Aceh.
"We were deeply inspired by the story of the Acehnese people's courage in facing the devastating 2004 tsunami and how Aceh bounced back with such vigor. Furthermore, we also learned that Aceh was once a crucial center of Islamic civilization and scholarship in the region," he added.
He also highlighted the close historical ties between Aceh and the Malay Peninsula, which have existed for centuries. "Today, we are proud to be part of the continuation of this long-standing relationship," he said.
The Rector of the Muhammadiyah University of Aceh, Dr. Dr. Aslam Nur also expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Malaysian delegation. He emphasized the Wali Nanggroe's strong commitment to education in Aceh.
"We hope that, with the support of His Majesty, the collaboration between Ummuha and Universiti Malaya, as well as with other international universities, will continue to grow," said Dr. Aslam, who was accompanied by officials from the Ummuha Rectorate.
Meanwhile, the Wali Nanggroe welcomed the visit and expressed his hope that relations between Aceh and Malaysia, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and tourism, can continue to strengthen.
"Hopefully, what we are doing today can further strengthen the ties between Aceh, Malaysia, and Indonesia in general," said the Wali Nanggroe.[]
