Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia and Australia continue to strengthen their strategic partnership in research and innovation through the “Indonesia-Australia Science Management & Innovation Symposium 2026,” held at the Sumitro Djojohadikusumo Auditorium, B.J. Habibie Building, Thamrin, Jakarta, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The symposium focused on how effective science management can accelerate the downstreaming of research into tangible innovation, while aligning research governance to generate greater impact for society and the economy.
Now entering its second year, the symposium is a collaboration between Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and the Australian Government through Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the KONEKSI program.
Indonesia and Australia Strengthen Science Management Collaboration
BRIN Deputy for Human Resources in Science and Technology Edy Giri Rachman Putra emphasized that research quality is determined not only by the intelligence of researchers, but also by the systems supporting them. As the institution responsible for managing Indonesia’s national research talent, BRIN views science management as a fundamental pillar of innovation development.
“A strong research ecosystem is not built solely by talented researchers. Behind every innovation, there must be effective leadership, capable science managers, and institutions that enable ideas to grow into real solutions,” Edy stated.
He added that strengthening science management is closely tied to talent development, including the management of research funding and connecting research with industry through platforms such as Rumah Inovasi Indonesia.
Echoing the same perspective, Amelia Fyfield, Director for Southeast Asia at CSIRO Australia, highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global challenges. As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO has partnered closely with Indonesia on issues ranging from energy transition to food security.
“Australia and Indonesia share strong interests in research collaboration, particularly on cross-border issues. Over the years, we have worked together on energy transition, regional data security, and understanding future pandemic risks. Through this science management partnership, we are completing the missing pieces needed to ensure our innovation ecosystems move forward together,” Amelia explained.
She also praised the success of BRIN’s internship program in Australia, where participants explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support data-driven policymaking through big data analysis.
AI, Research Commercialization, and Innovation Become Key Focus Areas
The Indonesian government is currently encouraging every research investment to deliver measurable public benefits. Director General of Research and Development at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Fauzan Adziman emphasized the importance of learning from Australia’s science management model, particularly in research commercialization.
“We want to deepen our understanding of economic analysis and impact measurement in research and development programs. Without a strong understanding of impact measurement, innovation cannot be effectively accelerated. We are also interested in learning from initiatives such as Australia’s Green Steel program to support Indonesia’s national priorities,” Fauzan stated.
He added that the Indonesian government is currently preparing a National Strategic Research Roadmap and Agenda to better synchronize future research policies and funding mechanisms.
Support for the growing science partnership was also highlighted by Tim Stapleton, Minister-Counsellor for Human Development and Humanitarian Affairs at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. According to him, the collaboration reflects a more inclusive and impactful bilateral partnership.
“Science and technology are key pillars of the Australia–Indonesia bilateral relationship, with enormous potential to boost productivity and strengthen human capital. Partnerships through KONEKSI and CSIRO have created strong institutional linkages that will ultimately provide practical insights for the advancement of both countries,” Tim stated.
The symposium featured a series of in-depth discussions, including presentations from CSIRO’s Data61 team on the use of AI in science policy, as well as sessions on inclusive innovation funding strategies. In addition to panel discussions, the event also included specialized masterclasses for BRIN science managers aimed at strengthening technical capabilities in science management programs.
Conclusion
The Indonesia-Australia Science Management & Innovation Symposium 2026 highlights the growing commitment of both countries to strengthening research ecosystems, innovation governance, and cross-border scientific collaboration. Through partnerships involving government institutions, academia, and industry, the initiative is expected to accelerate research commercialization, support data-driven policymaking, and create more impactful innovations for society and economic development.
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