Research Investment Republic of Indonesia 2018

Policy based upon sound research is challenging in the current global political climate but the enthusiasm with which 25 Australia Awards scholars from Indonesia participated in the recent RIRI Seminar in Canberra provided a level of confidence for future directions in Indonesia.  RIRI which stands for ‘Research Investment Republic of Indonesia’ is an annual two-day seminar held in Canberra each year specifically for AAI PhD scholars to meet each other, share experiences and to hear from a range of Australians working in the research to policy area.  Facilitator Dr Stephen Sherlock was joined by the AAI scholars travelling from their home base in Australia to Canberra for the Seminar held from 24-25 October.  Speakers from the Australian Research Council, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Deloitte, Universities Australia and from the Federal Department of Education provided insights to the research to policy question which provided the basis for many well informed and enthusiastic questions from AAI scholars.  “The range of interesting PhD research topics never ceases to amaze me,” stated Naomi Oxenham from the AAI On Award Enrichment Team.

This year some of the interesting research topics discussed at RIRI included ‘Enhancing the role of private sector in achieving transitional renewable energy targets in Indonesia’ (Martha Maulidia, University of Queensland), ‘Balanced urban growth for water security, liveability, and sustainability’ (Titih Titisari Danielaini, Western Sydney University) and ‘Development of biodegradable plastic from seaweed for food packaging purposes’ (Bakti Berlyanto Sedayu, Victoria University).  RIRI is delivered each year as part of the Australia Awards in Indonesia On Award Enrichment program.