Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to boost research ties in key areas like food security, green economy, renewable energy, and AI. This pact was sealed during a meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto and Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir in Jakarta on February 15, 2026. The nations will form joint working groups with experts to tackle global challenges. Food security tops the list, with joint programs in agriculture discussed at IPB University (Bogor Agricultural Institute), where Kadir met Malaysian students. Green economy and renewable energy efforts aim to create practical solutions, while AI collaboration will drive innovation in public issues.
Under the Malaysia-Indonesia Academic Consortium (KAMI), selected universities and researchers from both sides will participate. Preliminary talks between education directorates are setting the scope and schemes, with no fixed timeline yet. Yuliarto called it a “strategic step” for research synergy, while Kadir highlighted complementary strengths.
This move expands international partnerships, boosts talent mobility, and supports regional development. It fits Indonesia’s push for applied research amid rising needs in food resilience and sustainable tech. Both countries see untapped expertise to address shared priorities like emissions reduction and tech-driven agriculture.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What triggered the research cooperation agreement?
Meeting between Ministers Brian Yuliarto (Indonesia) and Zambry Abdul Kadir (Malaysia) in Jakarta on Feb 15, 2026, focusing on shared strengths.
2. Which fields will the joint working groups target?
Food security, green economy, renewable energy, and AI, involving experts via Malaysia-Indonesia Academic Consortium (KAMI).
3. How will universities and researchers be involved?
Selected institutions under KAMI; preliminary scope discussions ongoing between education directorates for structured collaboration.