Indonesia and Germany Explore Collaboration to Improve Research Quality

The Indonesian Government, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), is exploring opportunities with Germany to expand joint research funding, student and professor mobility, and capacity-building for universities.

Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto said the discussions could provide Indonesian students and researchers with broader opportunities to gain international academic experience, while building research partnerships that benefit both countries.

“We are considering developing joint research. Indonesia could provide funding on its side, and Germany could also provide funding,” Brian said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

Brian said cooperation with Germany could also widen access and create opportunities for student and professor exchanges. In the longer term, it could offer international academic experience and encourage the exchange of knowledge and culture between universities.

Germany’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, noted that the cost of education in Germany could be one consideration for Indonesian students seeking opportunities to study abroad.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) President Joybrato Mukherjee stressed the importance of partnerships that benefit both countries. He cited biodiversity research and urban development as fields requiring knowledge and expertise from Indonesia and Germany alike.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing a Joint Working Group at the implementation level. The group could provide a forum to discuss priorities, map university partners and identify potential collaboration schemes.

The opportunity is expected to mark an initial step towards closer and more sustainable international cooperation, delivering tangible benefits for higher education, research and national development.