RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Cyprus are taking steps to streamline international academic collaboration by planning a government-level agreement that would make it easier for universities to work together without bureaucratic delays.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie and Cyprus Ambassador to Indonesia Nikos Panayiotou in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Both sides agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their governments to serve as an umbrella framework for cooperation. The agreement is expected to allow universities in both countries to collaborate directly without having to negotiate separate institutional MoUs.

“The goal is to ensure Indonesian universities do not spend excessive time pursuing MoUs, which can shift focus away from substantive collaboration. We want a framework that institutions can use directly,” the deputy minister said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Ambassador Nikos highlighted that several universities in Cyprus offer scholarships for Indonesian students at undergraduate and master’s levels, with opportunities to continue to doctoral studies.

He emphasized that academic mobility plays a key role in building professional networks and enabling long-term research collaboration, including remote partnerships.

In research, both sides identified opportunities through European Union programs such as Horizon Europe. Partnerships with Cypriot institutions could help Indonesian researchers gain greater access to international funding.

Priority sectors for collaboration include maritime studies, the blue economy, and tourism -- areas where both countries share common strengths. Deputy Minister Stella Christie noted that maritime research remains underexplored, with topics such as carbon capture presenting promising opportunities.

The meeting marks an initial step in strengthening bilateral ties in higher education, science, and technology. As a follow-up, Cyprus plans to send a delegation from its technology and innovation sector to Indonesia in late June 2026 to expand partnerships with universities and relevant stakeholders. ***