UK Envoy Sees Bright Future for Indonesia-UK Education Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The United Kingdom is looking to deepen its education partnership with Indonesia, with plans for elite Russell Group universities to establish a presence in Jakarta.

British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey said the initiative would expand access for Indonesian youth to world-class higher education without leaving home.

Speaking at the King’s Birthday Party celebration in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, June 10, 2026, Jermey highlighted strong support from the Indonesian government, including President Prabowo Subianto, for the proposal.

“President Prabowo has expressed his backing for the establishment of Russell Group universities in Jakarta, and I hope these institutions will open soon,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The Russell Group represents 24 of the UK’s leading research universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

Jermey noted that several British universities have already launched programs in Indonesia. King’s College London operates in Malang, East Java, while Lancaster University and Deakin University have programs in Bandung, West Java.

He said these initiatives provide Indonesian students with greater opportunities to pursue international-standard education locally. “There are real opportunities here for young Indonesians to study at universities, including those from the UK,” Jermey added.

Beyond campus expansion, the UK will reopen access to its prestigious Chevening Scholarships for Indonesian students pursuing master’s degrees. Applications will be accepted from July to August this year, offering full funding for study in the UK. Graduates are expected to contribute to Indonesia’s development upon their return.

Indonesia’s Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian also encouraged young Indonesians to pursue higher education abroad, particularly in reputable institutions. “I urge our youth to study in the UK, one of the best destinations for education and building networks,” he said, stressing that top universities provide both academic excellence and valuable global connections.

The King’s Birthday Party, themed “UK Celebrates Innovation and Five Years as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner”, was attended by prominent figures including Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno, East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, and designer Didit Hediprasetyo. ***