An ACIAR delegation, led by then Acting Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Partnerships, Dr Suzie Newman recently visited Indonesia to deepen collaboration with partners. The visit focused on how ACIAR's research investments can better support Indonesia's national development priorities.
A highlight of the visit was a joint discussion with six Indonesian ministries, co-hosted by the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas). The dialogue explored research themes to help guide ACIAR's investments in Indonesia, aligning them with the national medium-term development plan for 2025-2029. Ministries shared their flagship programs and discussed potential areas for future collaboration with ACIAR.
The discussions also covered priorities such as the interconnected relationships between food, energy and water systems, developing a research hub, advancing digitalisation, scaling up ACIAR-supported projects, and using research to help attract further investment.
'ACIAR is proud to partner with Indonesia in supporting the achievement of its national development goals and to share Australia's innovation system that supports food transformation,' said Dr Newman.
'During our engagements, we explored various models of partnership. We are excited to continue developing approaches that align with Indonesia's objectives and address regional challenges,' added Dr Newman.
The delegation also met with the Chairman of Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Mr Laksana Tri Handoko. They discussed the importance of linking scientific research with policy and development outcomes.
The delegation also visited the BRIN research complex, where they engaged with researchers involved in ACIAR-supported projects and learned about the impact of their joint research on livelihoods across Indonesia and toured laboratories supporting Indonesia's research initiatives.
'ACIAR deeply values our longstanding partnership with BRIN,' said Dr Newman, noting that the relationship was strengthened through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024.
'We are proud of the work that we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing this partnership into the future,' added Dr Newman.
Other meetings included engagements with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as meeting ACIAR alumni and agricultural leaders who play key roles in ACIAR-supported projects. Discussions emphasised the importance of clear communication to ensure that national plans are informed by the latest research and data and to strengthen collaboration with ACIAR in showcasing Indonesian research on a global stage.
'ACIAR has been our long-standing partner for over two decades,' said Secretary of the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Development and Modernization, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Husnain.
'With the new research strategies now aligned with national priorities, we sincerely hope that the outcomes of these collaborative efforts will be sustainable and further strengthened through continued government support,' she added.
Dr Newman highlighted the mutual benefits of collaborative research.
'ACIAR is committed to being led by our Indonesia partners and co-designing impactful research,' said Dr Newman.
'We also recognise the importance of ongoing dialogue, joint planning and shared learning, so we look forward to working even more closely together on future strategic initiatives.'
