Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is strengthening Indonesia-China cooperation in science, technology, and innovation to enhance research quality, expand technology adoption, develop researchers' capacity, and drive research outcomes with greater impact on development.
This was discussed during the 8th Indonesia-China Joint Committee Meeting on Research and Innovation at the B.J. Habibie Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 18. The meeting served as a forum for BRIN and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to review the progress of ongoing cooperation and outline the direction for future collaboration.
Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, stated that Indonesia has the opportunity to strengthen its research and technology capabilities through collaboration with China. He noted that China's experience in formulating science and technology policies and developing an innovation ecosystem offers valuable lessons for Indonesia.
The Indonesia-China partnership, established through a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023, is being realized through six collaborative research proposals that have commenced this year. Arif emphasized that the joint committee not only evaluates ongoing cooperation but also serves as a strategic platform for setting priorities and opening new collaboration opportunities based on equality and mutual respect.
Strengthening Human Resources
BRIN is encouraging the faster application and commercialization of research findings through collaboration among research institutions, universities, industry, and investors. Additionally, human resource capacity is being strengthened through researcher exchanges, scholarships, training programs, and the mobility of young scientists from both countries.
“We need to explore mechanisms that can better connect research institutions, universities, industry, investors, and other stakeholders so that knowledge generated through research can be applied and commercialized more effectively. Research collaboration will only be sustained if supported by a strong network comprising researchers, scientists, engineers, and young talent,” said Arif.
Long Teng, Vice Minister of MOST, expressed China’s readiness to expand cooperation with BRIN. He noted that the Indonesia-China collaboration in science, technology, and innovation holds strategic value for both nations.
“China is ready to continue supporting high-level research teams from both countries in research, development, and technology demonstration collaborations in areas of mutual interest, as well as in jointly developing research and development platforms,” said Long Teng.
China also places importance on strengthening human resources in science and technology. MOST is preparing scientist exchange programs, technical training, and opportunities for young researchers to work in China for up to one year.
Furthermore, China offers collaboration through joint laboratories, technology transfer, and cooperation in sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship, and space technology.
Collaboration Opportunities in AI
In addition to strengthening cooperation in science and human resource development, BRIN sees opportunities for collaboration in strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to support the food, energy, maritime, and space sectors. BRIN has already collaborated with China on the use of AI for remote sensing.
“AI is crucial for all economic sectors, and we need to strengthen AI technology to bolster our programs in food, energy, and maritime affairs, as well as space. We have a collaboration with China regarding the use of AI for remote sensing,” said Arif.
Conclusion
BRIN is strengthening Indonesia-China cooperation in science, technology, and innovation through the 8th Joint Committee Meeting between Indonesia and China on Research and Innovation, which addresses the evaluation of existing cooperation and outlines future collaborative directions. China expressed its readiness to expand support through joint research and laboratories, technology transfer, and training. Furthermore, both nations discussed opportunities to develop AI technologies to support the food, energy, maritime, and space sectors.
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