The Center for Indonesian Studies was established in 2010 on the basis of a mutual agreement between the Azerbaijan University of Languages and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Iran, following the opening of the “Indonesian Studies” program at the Faculty of International Relations and Management in 2007. The Center is equipped with computers donated by the Indonesian Embassy, as well as other technical tools, necessary equipment, and teaching materials for the instruction of the Indonesian language. The Center also has a rich library dedicated to Indonesian studies.
Since the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Azerbaijan in 2011, the Center has developed closer cooperation with universities in Indonesia. Its activities are aimed at transforming the joint efforts of Azerbaijani and Indonesian scholars, teachers, students, and intellectuals into an important bridge of cooperation.
The Center regularly organizes public events to promote Indonesian culture. It hosts clubs for learning the angklung musical instrument and traditional dance. In addition, representatives of the Indonesian Embassy, Indonesian intellectuals, and members of the Indonesian diaspora frequently visit the Center, meet with students of Indonesian Studies, and deliver lectures.
Through various scholarship programs offered by the Government of Indonesia, the Center engages students of the Azerbaijan University of Languages in internships, academic studies, and research at prestigious universities and cultural centers in Indonesia. Since its establishment, the Center has facilitated the participation of more than 50 students and graduates in these programs.
The Center for Indonesian Studies serves as an information hub on Indonesia not only for the staff and students of the university but also for all citizens of the country. Interested individuals can benefit from its information resources, language training, translation services, and guidance on studying in Indonesia.
Goals:
- To become a recognized center in the field of Indonesian language and cultural studies.
- To expand connections between Azerbaijani and Indonesian scholars and students.
Strategic Directions:
- Promoting the Indonesian language and culture.
- Developing Indonesian studies in Azerbaijan.
- Training specialists with a high level of proficiency in Indonesian.
- Organizing events and presentations to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Scholarship Programs for Studying in Indonesia:
- Indonesian Arts and Culture Program (duration: 3 months)
- Darmasiswa Program (duration: 1 year)
- Master’s Degree Scholarship Program (duration: 3 years)
Documents Required for Library Membership:
- Copy of an ID document
- One photograph
Director of the Center for Indonesian Studies:
Laura Habib gizi Zarbalieva
Phone: (+99412) 441-22-78 (extension: 156)
Address: 134 R. Behbudov Street, Baku, Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan University of Languages, 2nd floor
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cis.aul
Activities of the Center for 2024–2025
The Center for Indonesian Studies carried out the following activities:
- Organized presentations by students and graduates who participated in various programs in Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Provided internship opportunities for five students from the Faculty of International Relations.
- On October 3, 2024, held a meeting with representatives of the State Islamic University Sunan Kalijaga (Yogyakarta).
- On May 22, 2025, hosted a meeting with Vanda Vidya, Head of Media, Social, and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy.
- Collected and translated into Azerbaijani articles from the Indonesian press that portray Azerbaijan (in cooperation with the “Image of Azerbaijan” research laboratory).
- Co-organized an essay competition titled “Victory Road” among university students together with other language and cultural centers.
- Prepared announcements about courses, summer schools, and free article submissions to academic journals at Indonesian universities.
In addition, the Director of the Center, Laura Zarbalieva:
- On July 1, 2024, delivered an online lecture to students of Kadiri University titled “Cross Cultural Understanding: School Vibes in Azerbaijan.”
- On May 3–4, 2024, presented a paper titled “Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan–Indonesia Relations” at a national scientific conference held at Mingachevir State University.
- On May 7, 2024, presented a paper titled “Indonesia’s Language Diplomacy” at the 7th International Scientific Conference at the Azerbaijan University of Languages.
Laura Zarbalieva also submitted a scholarly article titled “The Indonesian Language in the International Arena” for publication in the “Scientific Works” collection of Baku Slavic University.
Together with other translators, she translated Azerbaijani short stories into Malay, which were published in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) under the title “Coretan Hati. An Anthology of Azerbaijani Short Stories” (2024).
