RRI.CO.ID, West Nusa Tenggara - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) held an outreach program on foreign research permits with the University of Mataram (Unram). Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs at the University of Mataram, Akmaluddin, emphasized that openness to international research collaboration is a necessity amidst the growing globalization.

Akmaluddin explained that most universities are now pursuing an internationalization agenda involving foreign researchers and students. He believes that international research collaboration plays a strategic role in enhancing an institution's reputation while accelerating the transfer of knowledge and technology.

However, Akmaluddin emphasized that the implementation of research collaboration must comply with applicable laws and regulations. He added that protecting national knowledge assets is a principle that cannot be compromised.

He also highlighted the potential for misuse of collaboration permits by non-compliant foreign entities. One of the administrative obstacles that often arises, he noted, is the management of Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) in the process of sending research samples.

Director of Research and Innovation Licensing Governance and Authority at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Mila Kencana, expressed her appreciation to the University of Mataram, which has been a strategic partner for international research in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). She revealed that from 2022–2026, BRIN has issued approximately 307 Research Permits (SIP) for research activities in NTB, 37 of which involved Unram and foreign researchers, primarily from Germany, in the fields of marine science, ecotourism, and microbiology.

Mila emphasized that the success of international research collaborations is not solely measured by the sheer volume of partnerships. She believes that success must also be reflected in equal partnerships, transparent technology transfer, and research data protection for Indonesia.

She noted that oversight of foreign research still faces challenges, such as undocumented research conducted under the guise of business activities and the unauthorized use of drones to capture data on marine resources. Through this outreach, Mila hopes that local researchers and academics can play an active role in ensuring that foreign research in NTB is conducted in accordance with the law and ethics, thereby providing tangible benefits to science and regional development.