Indonesia and Australia Launch Joint Research Funding Scheme for Marine Biodiversity
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: On Friday, the governments of Indonesia and Australia jointly launched a funding assistance scheme aimed at promoting research on the sustainability of marine biodiversity. The initiative, named Joint Call BRIN-KONEKSI, was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by key representatives from both nations.
Lakasana Tri Handoko, Head of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), highlighted during the launch that Indonesia is open to collaborating with global funding institutions to support research endeavors. “This research funding scheme will run over the course of the next five years,” Handoko stated.
The Joint Call BRIN-KONEKSI scheme offers funding opportunities for universities, research organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and private entities. Eligible research projects can receive up to Rp1 billion (US$61.1 thousand) each, focusing on health, food, energy, and marine biodiversity.
Handoko emphasized that marine biodiversity is the program’s prioritized research topic, given the maritime borders shared by Indonesia and Australia. He noted that the scheme aims to enhance funding allocation for research and innovation while fostering collaboration and interaction between Indonesian researchers and their international counterparts.
“Science, research, and innovation are universal commodities that necessitate interaction between nations to bolster their global competitiveness,” Handoko underscored. He also highlighted that the funding scheme seeks to strengthen the strategic relations between Indonesia and Australia through partnerships among their research institutions.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams, echoed these sentiments. She remarked that both countries are committed to solidifying their people-to-people connections and institutional partnerships to achieve inclusive, innovative, and sustainable development. Ambassador Williams expressed hope for heightened relations among researchers and doctoral students from both nations.
The Joint Call BRIN-KONEKSI initiative marks a significant step towards advancing research collaboration and promoting the sustainable management of marine biodiversity, reflecting the shared commitment of Indonesia and Australia to address global environmental challenges.
