Excitement is in the air as the Indonesian and Australian governments jointly unveil a groundbreaking research collaboration aimed at transforming the Sulawesi region. This initiative, known as the Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research (PAIR) Sulawesi, is set to redefine the landscape of bilateral research partnerships between the two countries, signaling a new era of academic and scientific cooperation.
Launched on Thursday, May 30, 2024, PAIR Sulawesi represents a significant step forward in the realm of international research collaborations. This program is an initiative of the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC), a prestigious consortium comprising top research universities from both nations.
The primary mission of the AIC is to strengthen ties between communities in the fields of science, technology, education, innovation, and culture. Leading this initiative from the Australian side is Monash University, while Universitas Hasanuddin takes the helm as the anchor institution for the Indonesian side of the partnership.
Read also: Cosmetic Consumption in Indonesia Remains Low Despite Abundant Raw Material Potential
Penny Williams, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, calling it a “groundbreaking step in research partnership between Australia and Indonesia.”
She also highlighted the equal investment from both governments, underscoring the mutual commitment to this initiative. “I am delighted to launch this initiative, which brings Australia and Indonesia together to address shared challenges,” Williams stated in a press release cited from Kompas.com.
The PAIR program initially focused on South Sulawesi, but with this new phase, its reach extends to the entire Sulawesi region. “Now, we are expanding our operational scope across the entire Sulawesi region,” Williams explained.
The primary goal of PAIR is to bridge the gap between research and policy, creating a platform where researchers, policymakers, and community groups can collaborate to improve policy outcomes. “Through PAIR, leading researchers from Australia and Indonesia are working with the government to study issues of mutual concern, such as climate change and renewable energy development,” Williams added.
Faiz Syuaib, Director of Research, Technology, and Community Service at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), expressed strong support for the collaboration. He pointed out that this initiative provides a critical foundation for knowledge sharing and policy development.
“This will ensure that research conducted by higher education institutions in Indonesia has a broader and deeper impact on society through local solutions to local challenges,” Faiz stated.
This partnership is poised to address some of the most pressing issues facing both nations, leveraging shared knowledge and resources to create innovative solutions. The collaboration not only highlights the commitment of both countries to tackle global challenges but also sets the stage for future cooperative endeavors in various fields of study and research.
In essence, PAIR Sulawesi stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia. As this collaboration unfolds, it promises to yield significant benefits for both countries, fostering a spirit of innovation and cooperation that will pave the way for future advancements in science and technology.
Through this groundbreaking partnership, Indonesia and Australia are not only addressing today’s challenges but also laying the groundwork for a prosperous and collaborative future.
 Sulawesi, is set to redefine the landscape of bilateral..){kind=link}