Indonesia and France are exploring opportunities to broaden their bilateral ties, with a special focus on strategic cooperation in higher and vocational education.
Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, and French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, discussed bilateral relations during a meeting at Yuliarto’s office in Jakarta on Monday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Yuliarto expressed Indonesia’s eagerness to advance its key development goals with France’s support. He highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including food and energy security, defense technology, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor manufacturing.
“We believe that France and Indonesia are currently enjoying positive momentum for expanding cooperation, especially following President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Jakarta,” he said.
Yuliarto proposed increasing student mobility through joint supervision and double degree programs. He also noted the ongoing partnership involving Indonesia’s Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship, which now includes doctoral-level studies.
Deputy Minister Stella Christie emphasized opportunities for collaboration in vocational education, particularly involving Indonesian polytechnics and vocational senior high schools. She said Indonesia is making a significant push to improve the quality of its vocational programs.
Ambassador Penone welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening long-term partnerships with Indonesia, a country he described as having strength and potential comparable to India and Brazil.
He added that both countries should work toward formulating a clear cooperation roadmap to guide future initiatives.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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