RI, Australia work to curb pollution

RI, Australia work to curb pollution

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia are planning to develop a five-year biological research program focusing on the prevention of marine pollution.

The proposal for the US$ 1.2 million program was discussed by scientists from both countries yesterday during the fourth Collaboration on Science and Technology (COSTAI) meeting.

Some 70 delegates drew up several proposals for the project, which included the deployment of Indonesian workers and profit sharing plans for the two countries.

The delegates also discussed and evaluated around 50 other projects on science and technology development.

COSTAI was established four years ago between Indonesia's Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology and Australia's Department of Industry, Science and Technology.

Under COSTAI, Indonesia and Australia have operated 26 projects together involving dozens of governmental and private agencies.

The projects cover seven fields of science and technology, including environmental impacts management, remote sensing, biotechnology and telecommunication. (29)