Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto welcomed a visit from an Australian delegation aimed at enhancing strategic collaborations in research and higher education to promote sustainable development.
Yuliarto mentioned that collaboration between the two nations has greatly contributed to the growth of Indonesian talent through diverse educational and scholarship initiatives.
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“Fundamentally, we seek to build closer partnerships with Australian universities to deliver world-class education and research, while strengthening Indonesia’s innovation capacity and competitiveness,” he says.
The minister conveyed optimism that collaborative efforts in higher education, research, and innovation with diverse stakeholders could yield greater concrete advantages for society ahead.
He highlighted various national development priorities that need backing from higher education, science, and technology, particularly energy security, food security, sustainable management of natural resources, and industrial downstreaming.
“In the energy sector, Indonesia is promoting greater national energy self-sufficiency through the development of more efficient, safe, and sustainable energy technologies, as well as increased utilization of research and innovation outcomes to support the energy transition,” he remarks.
At the same time, Australia’s Chief Scientist Tony Haymet noted that there are many chances to enhance collaboration in science, research, and innovation.
The opportunities for collaboration involve bolstering research infrastructure, boosting investment in research and development (R&D), applying research findings, and improving partnerships between universities, research organizations, and governmental bodies.
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He reiterated Australia's dedication to educational collaboration through the Australia Awards Scholarships program, offering over 760 scholarships each year for Indonesian students, which includes 10 postgraduate scholarships for principals and teachers from Garuda Schools.
Moreover, Yuliarto and Haymet investigated ways to engage prominent Australian scientists, such as Nobel laureates, in scientific forums and international conferences held in Indonesia, aiming to enhance academic connections and research partnerships between the two countries.
Earlier, Menteri Pertanian Indonesia Andi Amran Sulaiman menyatakan bahwa pemerintah Australia telah mengungkapkan terima kasih kepada Indonesia karena telah memasok pupuk di tengah meningkatnya risiko ketahanan pangan akibat situasi geopolitik yang semakin tegang. Sulaiman mentioned he had gotten a direct phone call from Julie Collins, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, about cooperation in fertilizer trading.
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He emphasized that Australia greatly valued Indonesia's readiness to assist in resolving disruptions in global supply chains for energy, food, and agricultural materials via fertilizer exports. Sulaiman stated that Australia considered the exports a vital factor in enhancing the resilience of the regional agricultural sector.
He emphasized that the progress demonstrated Indonesia's increasing self-reliance, allowing the nation to export fertilizers. The minister mentioned a previous phone call between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where Australia thanked Indonesia for greenlighting fertilizer exports. He characterized the elevated communication as proof of Indonesia's growing significance in global supply chains.