From October 15-17, the Australia Awards Indonesia short course alumni held a post-course workshop in Semarang, bringing together 26 participants from diverse institutions to reflect, network, and discuss strategies for advancing Indonesia’s research and innovation landscape. This event was part of the “Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy: Supporting Indonesia’s Research and Innovation Agenda” program, launched in March 2024.
The workshop included a special address by Glen Askew, the Australian Consul General in Surabaya, who praised the alumni for their achievements and expressed hope that the program would serve as a bridge for innovation and shared progress between Indonesia and Australia. His presence underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties through initiatives that foster knowledge exchange and practical outcomes.
The program, co-led by Griffith Asia Institute member, Professor Dian Tjondronegoro and colleagues from the Griffith International Development Unit and Tom Verhelst, was made possible thanks to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australia-Indonesia Knowledge Partnership Platform (KONEKSI). The program’s inclusive, co-designed approach has paved the way for future collaborations aimed at building Indonesia’s capacity in research and innovation.
Professor Tjondronegoro expressed appreciation to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and KONEKSI Australia-Indonesia Knowledge Partnership Platform, describing the program as an inclusive, co-designed experience from the start.
“By fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government, the program is a significant step towards a knowledge-based economy in Indonesia—one where research and innovation are at the heart of sustainable growth.”
One of the key highlights of the workshop was a site visit to the Tide Eye project, an AI and IoT-powered solution designed to monitor water levels and tidal floods along the north coast of Java.
The Tide Eye initiative aims to address the persistent issue of tidal flooding in Central Java, a challenge that has significant social and economic implications for the region. By witnessing this project in action, the alumni were able to gain insights into best practices in collaborative research and innovation, furthering their understanding of how such initiatives can drive economic and social transformation.
This workshop, conducted in collaboration with KONEKSI, emphasised the critical role that research and innovation play in Indonesia’s progress. The Australia Awards short course equips Indonesian policymakers and future leaders with the tools needed to drive meaningful, long-term change. As a testament to this mission, the alumni’s hands-on experience with the Tide Eye project highlighted the importance of real-world applications and the impact of strategic partnerships.
Through this event, Australia Awards Indonesia continues to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy, fostering innovation, and addressing pressing societal challenges in Indonesia.
