Indonesia, Japan Explore Deeper Cooperation in Higher Education and Science

Jakarta: Indonesia and Japan have opened new discussions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, science, and technology, following a meeting held in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 14.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto highlighted the potential for expanded collaboration during talks with Japanese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Myochin Mitsuru, pointing to opportunities for stronger academic and technological partnerships.

“As a major economy, Indonesia sees significant potential for cooperation with Japan in higher education, business, and technology. We aim to elevate this partnership to a higher level,” Yuliarto said in a statement on Thursday, as quoted from Antara.

The minister emphasized the importance of expanding student and lecturer exchange programs, joint degree schemes, and other cross-border academic initiatives as key pillars of future cooperation.

Myochin, for his part, expressed Japan’s interest in increasing the number of Indonesian students studying at Japanese universities, as part of broader efforts to improve the quality of global human resources through international education.

Indonesia and Japan currently cooperate in human resource development through two main schemes: one focused on professional workers and researchers, and another targeting students. Both aim to meet industrial talent needs while providing academic and cultural exposure.

The meeting also discussed collaboration in research and applied sciences, with an emphasis on producing not only academic publications but also practical and commercially viable innovations for industry.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to aligning scientific and technological cooperation with national development and industrial priorities, agreeing to advance discussions through technical coordination meetings in the coming months.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, deeper cooperation with Japan supports Indonesia’s goal of ensuring that higher education, science, and technology deliver tangible benefits for society and national development.