Open University Partners with Researchers to Develop Interdisciplinary Research
Universitas Terbuka (UT) is strengthening research collaboration with universities and research institutions to support the development of national innovation. Food security, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development are among the areas receiving attention as part of this research agenda.
UT Postgraduate School Director Ojat Darojat said stronger research efforts also align with the government’s agenda, including the food security programme prioritised by President Prabowo Subianto. He said universities have a role in producing research that can support the implementation of development programmes.
“We know the President’s programmes include research in the field of food security,” Ojat said at a press conference at UT in South Tangerang on Wednesday (7 October 2026).
Ojat explained that research development is one of the UT Postgraduate School’s priorities. To improve the quality and reach of its research, UT is seeking to build partnerships with educational and research institutions with expertise in various fields.
“We believe that for UT to reach the national level, we must work intensively, particularly with educational institutions that have expertise in their fields,” Ojat said.
One such initiative is the Forum for University Scholars in Interdisciplinary Opportunities and Networking (FUSION) 2026. Now in its third year, the international conference brings together academics, researchers, industry practitioners and students from Indonesia and abroad.
FUSION 2026 will cover technology and AI, education, business, public policy and sustainable development. The interdisciplinary gathering is expected to create opportunities for research partnerships that can be developed further.
UT Rector Ali Muktiyanto said postgraduate schools play an important role in developing knowledge because they bring together academics, experts and researchers. He hopes collaboration through FUSION will lead to joint research, including with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
“This is not merely a seminar; it demonstrates that UT is concerned not only with being a teaching university, but also with conducting research,” Ali said.
Ali said UT wants research findings to benefit society more widely. He said UT’s network across Indonesia and overseas could be used to expand collaboration and accelerate research development.
Meanwhile, BRIN Deputy for Human Resources, Science and Technology Edy Giri Rachman Putra said innovation is an important factor in a country’s economic progress. Indonesia has human resources and natural wealth that can be developed through research and innovation.
“Our economy and GDP will become stronger in the future; by 2045, we may be the world’s fifth-largest economy,” Edy said.
Edy said this potential must be harnessed through cooperation among various parties to support Indonesia’s economic transformation. Strengthening research and innovation is one way to optimise the country’s resources.
“These potentials must be brought into synergy, integrated and coordinated, becoming a powerful vehicle for our transformation into a developed country,” Edy said.