RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is seeking to strengthen its role in global health education and research through deeper collaboration with leading international institutions.

This commitment was underscored during a meeting between Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto and a delegation from Harvard Medical School at the ministry’s office on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Minister Brian expressed appreciation for Harvard Medical School’s dedication to building partnerships with Indonesian institutions, noting that global collaboration is vital to advancing higher education, science, and technology in ways that directly serve society.

“We are delighted to welcome the Harvard Medical School delegation today and look forward to expanding this collaboration through joint programs ranging from academic exchanges and human resource development to impactful research,” he said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Minister Brian highlighted Indonesia’s significant potential in health research, particularly in tropical diseases and primary healthcare services. He emphasized that partnerships with world-class institutions such as Harvard could foster innovation and strengthen the quality of medical education in Indonesia.

Harvard Medical School’s Dean for Research Initiatives and Global Programs, David Golan, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to cooperation in education, research, and community-based primary healthcare.

He stressed that the collaborative model aims to bring healthcare closer to communities, beyond major cities and hospitals.

Dean Golan also welcomed opportunities to support student, academic, and researcher exchanges from Indonesia through training, education, and joint research initiatives.

“Harvard Medical School invites participants from around the world to engage in education and research exchanges. We believe this collaboration can thrive and deliver mutual benefits,” he said.

Discussions also covered joint research development, academic workshops, scientific publications, and models of community-based primary healthcare.

Director General of Higher Education Khairul Munadi noted that strengthening primary healthcare and developing an academic health system are central to transforming medical education in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Directorate General of Research and Development Junaidi Khotib emphasized the importance of building researcher capacity and expanding joint research through international academic exchanges.

The meeting also highlighted the need for data-driven research and the development of health human resources, including more adaptive training for doctors and primary healthcare workers.

This collaboration aligns with the ministry’s Diktisaintek Berdampak (Impactful Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology) initiative, which seeks to ensure higher education, science, and technology contribute meaningfully to national development and public welfare.

By forging strategic partnerships with global institutions, the ministry aims to position Indonesian universities as hubs of knowledge, innovation, and solutions for pressing national challenges, particularly in healthcare.

The session was attended by representatives from Universitas Harkat Negeri (UHN), the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), and officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. ***