ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Education, Prof. Sir Steve Smith, and British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Friday, May 30, 2025.
The meeting, held during the long weekend, marked a significant step in strengthening Indonesia–UK education cooperation.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Russell Group, a prestigious network of 24 leading universities in the United Kingdom. Notable participants included Prof. Helen Bailey from Queen Mary University of London, Prof. Funmi Olonisakin from King’s College London, Prof. Tariq Ali from University of Liverpool, Mr. Summer Xia, Country Director of the British Council Indonesia.
According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the meeting focused on strategic efforts to expand bilateral partnerships in higher education and scientific research.
“Several top UK universities have expressed strong interest in establishing campuses in Indonesia,” Teddy stated.
President Prabowo also encouraged efforts to increase access for Indonesian students to pursue world-class education, either directly in the UK or through UK university branches in Indonesia.
Beyond education, the dialogue also emphasized the importance of enhancing joint research initiatives between Indonesian and British academics. These research efforts will target national strategic priorities, particularly the downstream development of 28 key natural resources, as outlined in Indonesia’s Asta Cita national development agenda.
“We are prioritizing collaborations between Indonesian and UK researchers on topics related to downstream resource development, aligned with our national goals,” Teddy explained.
This enhanced cooperation is expected to bolster Indonesia’s global academic competitiveness while accelerating progress toward knowledge-based national development. (AT Network)
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