Kemdiktisaintek and Flinders University Australia Strengthen Research Collaboration
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has opened opportunities to strengthen higher education, science, technology, and research cooperation between Indonesia and Flinders University, South Australia.
Director General of Science and Technology at Kemdiktisaintek, Ahmad Najib Burhani, expressed appreciation for the existing relationship between Indonesia and Australia in the fields of higher education, science, and technology. “Collaboration with Australian universities and academic communities is one of the best ways to build quality academic practices, not just listing names in publications, but presenting real collaboration between the Indonesian and Australian academic communities,” he said.
Najib also noted that Australia is one of the popular study destinations for Indonesian students. Beyond higher education, relations between the two countries continue to develop through various research collaborations and human resource capacity building. Common forms of cooperation include joint research, curriculum and academic programme development, scientific seminars or conferences, dual degree programmes, and student exchanges.
“Kemdiktisaintek also continues to encourage international research collaboration through partnerships with universities and research institutions in various countries,” he stated. Najib mentioned that both countries have been cooperating through several research funding schemes, including the Australia-Indonesia Knowledge, Innovation, and Technology Collaboration (Koneksi) programme, which supports collaborative research in priority areas such as energy transition, digital transformation, education, and environmental and health issues.
In response, Vice-Chancellor and President of Flinders University, Colin Stirling, appreciated the opportunity for dialogue with Kemdiktisaintek and affirmed the university’s commitment to continue strengthening ties with various institutions in Indonesia through education and research. Meanwhile, the South Australian delegation outlined various initiatives that have been and are being undertaken to strengthen connectivity between higher education institutions, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. Areas of mutual interest include health, education, energy transition, critical minerals, food security, and other strategic fields relevant to the needs of both parties.