Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is advancing regional development through the Social Collaboration for Community Development (Kosabangsa) program, involving 75 implementing universities and 46 partner universities.

The program tackles challenges such as stunting, poverty, and strengthening local economies in underdeveloped and frontier regions.

Fauzan Adziman, Director General of Research and Development at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, said Kosabangsa allows universities to bring science and technology directly to communities to create sustainable solutions.

"We hope the community will directly experience concrete benefits," he said on Friday.

One initiative in East Nusa Tenggara brings together universities, the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDikti), and local government to run an integrated stunting reduction program, covering health, food, culture, and the environment.

Ketut Adnyana, the ministry's Director of Research and Community Service, stressed that Kosabangsa's success relies on cross-sector collaboration and clear problem mapping to align with national priorities.

The program currently covers about 77 percent of Indonesia's territory across 24 provinces.

This year's program also targets the creative economy, renewable energy, the blue economy, and food self-sufficiency. From Aceh to Papua, students and lecturers are helping communities tap local potential to build innovation-driven economic independence.

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