RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and France are strengthening their innovation partnership in higher education, science, and technology, with both governments reaffirming their commitment to long-term strategic cooperation.

This was highlighted during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, and French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, Fabien Penone, at the ministry’s office earlier this week.

“We hope this initiative will further enhance collaboration between universities in both countries. We also welcome grants and broader opportunities for cooperation,” Brian said in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the Indonesia–France Innovation Year, a flagship framework for bilateral cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and academic exchanges involving students and researchers.

The initiative has been endorsed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron. Through this program, both nations aim not only to organize academic activities but also to design long-term strategies and a comprehensive roadmap for cooperation.

The French Embassy also expressed its commitment to establishing leading campuses in Indonesia. Collaboration will be further strengthened through scholarship programs and student mobility initiatives in partnership with Indonesian Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP).

“Given the success of the master’s scholarship program, we have decided to expand it to the doctoral level,” Ambassador Penone stated.

He noted that the number of Indonesian students pursuing studies in France has doubled within a year, thanks to the special LPDP–France program, which builds on the general LPDP scheme.

Ambassador Penone also highlighted growing interest among French students in Indonesian universities. Looking ahead, both sides hope to develop joint degree and double degree programs to deepen academic collaboration. ***