AsianScientist (Oct. 9, 2013) – The Australian federal government has announced funding of $15 million for four years to set up a new Australian Center for Indonesia Studies to drive research and business initiatives, and to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
Based in Monash University in Melbourne, the center’s priorities will be to engage Australians to identify and work collaboratively with Indonesian institutions on areas of shared challenge and mutual benefit as well as strengthen all aspects of the Australia-Indonesia relationship.
The national center is expected to deliver higher levels of collaboration between Australia’s and Indonesia’s sharpest minds. It is envisaged that an advisory board will include representatives of government and business from both countries.
The goal is to establish a similar, “twinned” network of major universities and research centers in Indonesia.
“The center’s mandate will be to strengthen and deepen Australia-Indonesia business, cultural, educational, research and community links. The center will also promote greater understanding of contemporary Indonesia and its growing importance to Australia,” said Australian prime minister Mr. Tony Abbott.
Research themes are expected to include language and culture, food security, infrastructure, education, resources and health.
The idea for the center came out of months-long research and relationship-building by a team from Monash University led by Professor Paul Ramadge, Executive Director of Global Initiatives and a Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow of Monash University. Monash received strong support from the Victorian Government to map out the structure and core objectives of the center.
“What is really exciting is that this new national center will foster high-value linkages between government, business and academia. This is the best way to develop big, high-impact innovations. It is also the best way to build trust and create an environment for genuine partnerships,” said the Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, Professor Ed Byrne.
As the center gets under way, it is expected to draw on the expertise of other research and policy centers across Australia and Indonesia.
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Source: Monash University.
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