“In uncertain times like these, education and research offer more than direction; they provide a solid foundation to face challenges and open a clearer path forward,” Handoko said during the 2025 Week of Indonesia-Netherlands Education and Research (WINNER) event, held virtually on Tuesday.
He explained that the world is currently facing challenges from climate change and health crises to food and energy security, all of which disrupt the environment and global economies.
Rapid digital transformation, while creating vast opportunities, has also widened inequality, he added.
Handoko also underlined the increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics, which further contribute to global uncertainty.
Nevertheless, he believes these challenges present an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation.
“These challenges may seem daunting, but they also unite us. They remind us of our shared humanity and the fact that no nation can tackle these issues alone. We need each other,” he said.
In this context, Handoko highlighted the Indonesia-Netherlands strategic cooperation. Their collaboration, he said, is rooted not only in a long history but also in shared values and a mutual commitment to building a sustainable future.
“WINNER reflects our strong commitment to strengthening knowledge and innovation together,” he said.
He also stressed the need for continuous program evaluation and that research outcomes should not remain confined to journals or laboratories, but should benefit society directly.
“Collaboration is not the end goal; it is a means to create real change in fair policy, accessible technology, inspiring curricula, and research that serves the people,” Handoko concluded.
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Translator: Sean, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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