Indonesia-France Enhances Partnership Through Joint Research Program

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is improving its academic and scientific ties with France, marking a new era of "intellectual diplomacy" between the two nations. In a high-level meeting held at Jakarta on Monday, 26 January 2026, Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto and French Ambassador Fabien Penone solidified a roadmap for long-term collaboration in research, student mobility, and institutional development.

According to the official press release, the partnership is a direct follow-up to the shared vision of President Prabowo Subianto and President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders have prioritized human capital development as a pillar of the bilateral relationship.

In the meeting, both nations agreed to commit to long-term partnership. One of such is the "Indonesia-France Year of Innovation". It is a comprehensive, year-long initiative designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application.

It acts as an "umbrella" for all joint activities, ensuring they aren't just one-off events but part of a structured strategic roadmap. The core objective for this partnership is facilitating researchers from both nations to collaborate on projects.

The focus on this renewed commitment is the focus of the research. Green energy, maritime, technology, and health science, is deemed as vital for both nations. Through it, Indonesia is aligning its national development goals with French technological expertise.

"We hope this initiative further boost the cooperation between universities in both countries. We also welcome grants and broader opportunities for collaboration," Minister Brian conveyed.

Building on the success of joint Master’s programs, the two nations are launching a dedicated Doctoral (PhD) scholarship track in partnership with Indonesia’s Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). France has also expressed a commitment to establishing presence for its top-tier universities within Indonesia, potentially through joint campuses or satellite programs.

The program goes both ways. As stated in the official press release, Ambassador Penone stated that French students' interest in Indonesian universities is increasing. In the future, both parties also hope to develop joint degree and double degree programs.

The meeting served as a reaffirmation of the Indonesia-France alliance. Both nations are dedicated to a structured, long-term partnership focused on cultivating elite global talent and fostering breakthrough research that drives both domestic growth and international progress.