- Seven joint research projects between universities in Western Australia and East Java will share $150,000 in funding
- The WAEJUC Joint Research 2025 initiative strengthens academic ties in the 35th year of the WA-East Java sister-state relationship
- Partnership reinforces Western Australia's reputation as an attractive study destination for international students, helping to diversify the State's economy
Seven new joint research projects have been awarded funding through the Western Australia - East Java University Consortium (WAEJUC) Joint Research 2025 initiative, a program designed to strengthen academic ties, promote knowledge exchange and build long-term research capacity across both regions.
The projects will share a combined $150,000 in funding provided by WAEJUC, in addition to researcher salaries and associated costs, to deliver practical solutions to shared regional and global challenges.
Each participating researcher will also receive Rp50 million ($5,000) in project support from their respective universities.
Teams are led by researchers from member universities in East Java and WA, with opportunities for industry and community partners to participate.
Launched at the WAEJUC Research Summit in Perth earlier this year, the program attracted strong interest, receiving 43 proposals involving 145 principal and co-principal investigators.
Each project will run between six and 12 months, contributing to stronger institutional links, enhanced research capacity and sustainable academic networks.
Since WAEJUC was established in 2018, universities from WA and East Java have collaborated on more than 280 research publications.
The funding commitment reflects the importance of the sister-state relationship, which extends beyond research into education, trade and cultural exchange.
Indonesia remains a valued partner for WA, with more than 1,700 Indonesian students currently enrolled in WA institutions.
The State Government also supports its relationship with Indonesia through initiatives such as the $50,000 Premier's University Scholarship, available to Indonesian students undertaking university studies in WA.
For more information, visit: www.investandtrade.wa.gov.au/news-events/news/details/2025/09/12/new-research-projects-to-build-on-35-years-of-wa-east-java-partnership
As stated by Tertiary and International Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"This initiative showcases the strength of the 35-year sister-state relationship between Western Australia and East Java and the value of working together on shared challenges.
"WAEJUC funding these joint projects not only supports groundbreaking research but also deepens the long-term academic and institutional ties between our regions.
"Education and research partnerships like this reinforce Western Australia's reputation as a welcoming and innovative study destination for Indonesian students."
