Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto expressed confidence that collaborative research between Indonesian and Saudi universities will begin this year, following a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi in Jakarta.

“This year, we hope the cooperation can start,” he said after the talks on Tuesday (6/5/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Past academic partnerships have been sporadic and uncoordinated, but both parties now aim to consolidate efforts into structured programs. Proposed collaborations include joint research projects, joint or double degree programs, and faculty exchange through visiting professorships. Brian emphasized that universities in both countries are on relatively equal footing in global rankings, which could ease collaboration.

To formalize the initiative, the Indonesian government will submit an official proposal via diplomatic channels. Brian also indicated a potential visit to Saudi Arabia to accelerate discussions.

Ambassador Faisal welcomed the initiative, calling academic collaboration vital and promising full support from the Saudi government for swift implementation.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)