Jakarta, 19 June 2025 – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia and EURAXESS Worldwide for ASEAN, hosted today the “EU–Indonesia: Strengthening Impactful Partnerships in Science and Technology” forum at the Grha Kemdiktiksaintek, Senayan, Jakarta.
This event aimed to enhance Indonesia’s engagement in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program. The forum brought together more than 200 representatives from Indonesian universities, EU member state embassies, research institutes, and international cooperation agencies.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Ir. Togar Mangihut Simatupang, M.Tech., Ph.D., Secretary General of Kemdiktisaintek, emphasized the importance of international scientific collaboration in addressing Indonesia’s ongoing challenges in science, technology, and innovation (STI). These include the need to increase R&D investment, foster stronger links between academia and industry, promote inclusive innovation beyond urban areas, and strengthen talent development for young researchers.
“We are committed to positioning Indonesia as a proactive contributor in the global STI ecosystem through Horizon Europe. We strongly believe that science diplomacy can bridge continents, and we want to see more Indonesian researchers, universities, and innovators actively participating in European projects,” he stated.
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Najib Burhani, Director General of Science and Technology of Kemdiktisaintek, delivered the welcome speech, highlighting the significance of this forum as a gateway to strategic cooperation that aligns with Indonesia’s national development goals.
H.E. Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to being a reliable partner for Indonesia in building impactful science and innovation networks.
“Through the EU flagship research and innovation programme called Horizon Europe, the EU reaffirms its commitment to continuing our strong partnership with Indonesia in the field of research innovation, science and technology. The EU encourages the participation of Indonesian researchers in the Horizon Europe programme that offers a unique chance to collaborate internationally, access cutting-edge research facilities, and contribute to solutions that impact global challenges.” he stated.
The forum featured in-depth discussions on the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025–2027, funding mechanisms, EU missions, and successful EU-Indonesia project testimonials. The event concluded with a networking reception to encourage future collaborations.
News in Pictures
Picture 1. The event on "Indonesia-Europe Partnership: Enhancing Impactful Science and Technology" was attended by more than 200 representatives (top landscape). The Secretary General of MoHEST of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof Togar Mangihut Simatupang (bottom left), and the Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia, H.E. Denis Chaibi (bottom right), respectively, conveyed remarks on the event.
Picture 2. (Top in row) The dialogue on Indonesia-EU cooperation through Horizon Europe explained by the speakers, including the Director General of Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Najib Burhani; the Director of Dissemination and Utilisation of Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Yudi Darma; Head of Unit for International Cooperation, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, Mrs. Nienke Buisman; the Principal Policy Officer for R&I Cooperation with Southeast Asian Nations and Indo-Pacific, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, Dr. Fadila Boughanemi; and the EURAXESS Worldwide Representative for ASEAN, Dr KRMH Tatas Brotosudarmo. (Bottom) A parallel event with the Indonesian media during the press release.
Picture 3. The EURAXESS Worldwide Representative for ASEAN, Ms. Leonie Nagarajan,chaired the testimonial discussion session with the Indonesian researchers who have participated in Research Innovation Actions (RIA) and Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) projects, including Prof. Dr. Rizaldi Boer, Center for Climate Risk and Opportunity Management in Southeast Asia and Pacific (CCROM-SEAP), Bogor Agricultural University; Prof. Dr. Retno Gumilang Dewi, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut
Teknology Bandung (ITB), Bandung, and Prof. Suwarno, Ph.D., Research Center for Advanced Material and Nano Technology (MMTN), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, respectively.
Picture 4. A courtesy meeting with the Secretary General discussed the intensification strategies in enhancing Indonesia-Europe partnershion in impactful cooperation in higher education, science and innovation.