RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Higher Education, Science, and Technology Ministry and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have strengthened collaboration to advance Indonesia’s research ecosystem and enhance international competitiveness.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at Graha Widya Bhakti, KST BJ Habibie BRIN, in South Tangerang on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. 

Minister Brian Yuliarto said the synergy provides a vital foundation for developing superior human resources and boosting national competitiveness in line with the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

“Collaboration is key. Through structured and sustainable synergy, research and innovation can have a real impact on national development,” Brian stated in Jakarta on Thursday, February 5, 2026, as quoted by Antara. He is optimistic that the cooperation will strengthen Indonesia’s ability to face future challenges.

BRIN Chairman Arif Satria explained that one of the main objectives of the agreement is to initiate research cooperation with Japan to reinforce the domestic research ecosystem and ensure Indonesian research results gain recognition in international forums, including the Nobel Prize.

A key focus of the collaboration is research on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF), which Satria described as strategically relevant for Indonesia’s future. MOF technology offers applications in gas storage and separation, particularly for enhancing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) storage, as well as in advanced water treatment and clean energy development. 

“MOF opens up opportunities for utilizing gas storage and separation technology, water treatment, and clean energy applications, including the development of Compressed Natural Gas Storage (CNG),” he said.

The partnership has received strong support from Japan. Myochin Mitsuru, the ad interim Chargé d’Affaires of the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta, said scientific cooperation between the two countries continues to grow and serves as a cornerstone for strengthening research capacity and human resource development.

“We believe that collaboration in research, education, and human resource exchange will provide long-term benefits for Indonesia’s sustainable development,” Mitsuru remarked. ***