Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) and the French Government are exploring broader partnership opportunities in higher education, science, and technology following President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to France in late May 2026.
Discussions between President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron resulted in a shared commitment to strengthening research collaboration, expanding academic mobility programs, and enhancing partnerships between universities and research institutions in both countries.
The cooperation is expected to generate innovative solutions to development challenges faced by Indonesia and France through impactful research and practical technological advancements that benefit society.
Driving Impactful Research and Innovation Commercialization
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto welcomed the strengthening of Indonesia–France cooperation, particularly in research initiatives designed to address real-world challenges.
According to Brian, Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and abundant mineral resources provide significant strategic advantages that can complement France’s technological expertise and advanced research capabilities.
“Indonesia’s biodiversity and mineral wealth represent strategic assets that can be combined with France’s technological strengths and research excellence. This collaboration will create opportunities for new innovations, produce high-quality research outcomes, and accelerate the commercialization of research findings into industrial applications,” Brian stated.
The Indonesian Government is also encouraging greater academic mobility through student exchanges, faculty exchanges, international professorship programs, joint research projects, and stronger academic networking initiatives.
Indonesia is opening wider opportunities for French academics and researchers to serve as visiting professors at Indonesian universities.
“We are committed to creating more opportunities for French professors and researchers to become visiting professors in Indonesia. The exchange of knowledge and international experience plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of higher education and strengthening national research capabilities,” Brian added.
Prioritizing Academic Mobility and Future Technologies
French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone emphasized that education, research, and academic mobility remain key priorities within the strategic partnership between Indonesia and France.
He noted that the commitments established by both heads of state should be translated into concrete programs capable of delivering tangible benefits to both nations.
“France continues to support the expansion of research cooperation with Indonesia, including through the involvement of various French research institutions and the development of collaboration in strategic fields that are of mutual interest to both countries,” he said.
Valérie Verdier, Chief Executive Officer of the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), highlighted that the organization has maintained partnerships with Indonesia for nearly five decades.
Several Indonesian universities have collaborated with IRD, including Universitas Gadjah Mada, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and IPB University.
Existing cooperation has covered a wide range of fields, including geosciences, disaster risk mitigation, marine and maritime studies, biodiversity, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Both sides are seeking to further expand collaboration through joint research initiatives, researcher exchanges, academic mobility programs, collaborative academic projects, and co-funding mechanisms aligned with the strategic priorities of both countries.
In addition to continuing ongoing programs, Indonesia and France are also exploring cooperation opportunities in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology, space technology, nuclear technology, and other strategic sectors of mutual interest.
Conclusion
As Indonesia and France deepen their partnership in higher education, research, and technology, both countries are paving the way for greater innovation and knowledge exchange. Through collaboration in AI, quantum technology, nuclear technology, and academic mobility, the partnership is expected to generate impactful solutions, strengthen research capabilities, and support sustainable development for the future.
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