December 3, 2018, by Liz Cass

Indonesian Audit Board and Ministry hails UK-Indonesia academic partnership

The University welcomed a delegation from the Indonesian Audit Board and the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education (RISTEKDIKTI) earlier this month. The visit, led by Mr Achsanul Qosasi, Auditor General of the Audit Board in Indonesia and accompanied by Mr Agus Susilohadi, Deputy Director of Planning and Budgeting for Directorate General of Resources, Science and Higher Education, explored research carried out by government-funded Indonesian students at the University.

Nottingham is an exemplar of close collaboration between the UK and Indonesia and was the only UK University the delegation visited this time. The group also witnessed the launch of Indonesia Doctoral Training Partnership (IDTP), a new initiative established in partnership with RISTEKDIKTI following their visit in July. The defining principle for IDTP is a shared vision and commitment to foster a new generation of Indonesian academic leaders to tackle world challenges. This supports the Indonesian government’s skills and leadership agenda in Higher Education.

Mr Achsanul acknowledged the support the University of Nottingham has provided for Indonesian students and spoke about the Audit Board’s vision of funding education to benefit society and the economy. Addressing the students and staff at the University, Mr Achsanul also emphasised the role of the Audit Board in state finance and their work in funding Higher Education.

Another highlight of the visit was meeting both Indonesian government funded PhD students and their supervisors who exemplify UK-Indonesia research links. Kurnia Ramadhan, a PhD student in Food Sciences and a member of EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Food, performed a 3-minute thesis presentation on the topic of ‘modulating the structure of plant-based high protein foods.’ The application of his research will provide a wider range of food options for consumers who are shifting into or increasing their vegetable-based diets.

Dr Bagus Muljadi, Assistant Professor in Chemical & Environmental Engineering and Director of IDTP, said: “As both an academic at University of Nottingham and an Indonesian, I am happy to witness the beginning of this meaningful partnership manifested in IDTP. IDTP is about providing the best support and training opportunities to Indonesian future leaders. It is also about making broader impacts — not only between the university and the ministry; but between the UK and Indonesia. We want to set an example of how a British university could partner with foreign governments and help to solve global problems.”

Jason Feehily, Director of Knowledge Exchange Asia said: “We were delighted to host the Audit Board and showcase the work of our great students. I strongly believe we have a great opportunity to develop the partnership further building upon our existing collaborations.”

Debby Lin-Read, CPD Project Manager in Research and Innovation said: “We are delighted to welcome the delegation at a pivotal moment to drive education and training partnership between the two countries. I am confident Indonesian scholars, with support from the University, will bring about positive changes in the research landscape in the UK and Indonesia.”

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