Kupang, 26 July 2023— The Australian Deputy Head of Mission (DHOM) to Indonesia, Mr. Stephen Scott, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MOECRT), represented by the Director of Research, Technology, and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Faiz Syuaib, jointly announced the inaugural grantees of the Collaborative Research Grants for Environment and Climate Change under the KONEKSI program. KONEKSI is an Australian and Indonesian partnership in the knowledge and innovation sector that supports collaboration between Australian and Indonesian organisations for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies.

Out of KONEKSI’s 38 research partnerships, 16 are dedicated to conducting research in eastern Indonesia, linking 13 Australian and 23 Indonesian organisations from various sectors, including local government, universities, research organisations and community organisations. “We must build cooperation on a shared and long-term platform, not sporadically, so that the impact and benefits of cooperation reach the community.” said the Director of Research, Technology and Community Service, MOECRT, Prof. M. Faiz Syuaib.

The joint announcement was part of the KONEKSI side event which was held at the Eastern Indonesia Forum Festival (FFKTI). KONEKSI brought together researchers, academics, local governments and the central government in a talk show with the theme “Promoting Equity in Research: Role of the of Eastern Indonesian Universities in Knowledge Partnerships and Local Knowledge”.

Head of the Higher Education Service Institute (LL DIKTI) Region XIV Land of Papua, Dr. Suriel Mofu, shared his experience in prioritising local knowledge as a solution to problems in various sectors in the land of Papua. “We must conduct multidisciplinary research in efforts to institutionalise local knowledge so that it does not disappear,” added Dr. Suriel.

Meanwhile, dr. Fima Inabuy, biomolecular researcher at Udayana University and Team Leader of the Public Health Biomolecular Laboratory of East Nusa Tenggara Province, explained the importance of contextual research based on regional needs in a partnership. Dr. Fima stressed, “not only the track record but how contextually research can be applied.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BaKTI, Prof. Willi Toisuta concluded the discussion. “There are three things to focus on: equity, local knowledge, and impact. In the next step, long-term cooperation and fostering a scientific and research culture need to be a concern.” he concluded.

The talk show fostered an inclusive dialogue among stakeholders and promote the valuable contributions of eastern Indonesian universities in research partnerships and the utilisation of local knowledge. By addressing the challenges and opportunities in promoting equity in research, KONEKSI strives to enhance partnership, generate innovative ideas, and contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable policies and strategies.

About KONEKSI

KONEKSI is an Australia and Indonesia partnership in knowledge and innovation sector that supports partnerships between Australian and Indonesian organisation for inclusive and sustainable policy and technology. The program focuses on promoting equitable knowledge partnerships and leveraging local knowledge to address socio-economic challenges. KONEKSI acts as a vehicle for producing multidisciplinary solutions by engaging diverse stakeholders from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.

For more information: https://koneksi-kpp.id/en/about-koneksi/

Contact: [email protected]

About Eastern Indonesia Forum Festival (FFKTI)

FFKTI is a biennial regional event organized by BaKTI to showcase innovative development practices in the eastern Indonesia region. The festival brings together various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, academia, researchers, the private sector, and international development partners, to exchange ideas and celebrate achievements in the region.

More information about the 9th Eastern Indonesia Forum Festival https://bakti.or.id/forum-kti

Contact: [email protected]

Description of KONEKSI Research Locations in eastern Indonesia

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A	Building a Model of Future-proofing for Climate Resilience by Engaging Communities (MoFCREC) in Eastern Indonesia
B	Climate resilient primary health care (PHC) and financing systems in Indonesia: A participatory action research (PAR)
C	Conserving ridge to reef: Integrated and innovative approach to enable sustainable financing in supporting inclusive climate change projects in Indonesia
D	CORE-STEP: Advancing innovative knowledge-based solutions for inclusive and climate ready primary health care systems
E	Developing an integrated approach to climate change adaptation, food security and social forestry in vulnerable and indigenous communities in eastern Indonesia
F	Developing applications of satellite imagery for modelling environmental and social impacts of climate change on seaweed farming in Indonesia
G	Empowering women in mitigating climate change impacts on health
H	Enabling children as agents of change through inclusive edugames on climate change and disaster resilience
I	Future proofing a basic social service: Climate-resilient community-based rural water supply
J	Inclusive climate adaptation: The roles of women’s climate advocacy network
K	Maintaining blue carbon by learning from Indigenous Papuan women’s conservation and adaptation strategies in Papua’s mangrove areas
L	From ridge to reef of Integrated Watershed Management Approach (IWMA) to foster the socio-ecology climate and livelihoods resilience of small islands in eastern Indonesia
M	Towards future proof society: Adaptive social protection against climate change
N	Understanding climate impact on the grassroot communities and rural livelihood in Indonesia: Catalysing changes toward adaptation and resilience
O	Using restorative justice techniques to build resilience and address climate change harms in Indonesia
P	Evaluating the contribution of social forestry management rights towards climate proof livelihoods of women and men in Indonesia