TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Universitas Indonesia (University of Indonesia / UI) and the National Pacific University of Russia have agreed to strengthen research collaboration with a focus on the economy. This collaboration includes areas such as medical technology, robotics, and mineral resources.

In a panel discussion entitled 'Utilizing Scientific and Educational Partnerships to Expand Business between Russia and Indonesia' held at the Raffles Hotel in Jakarta on Monday, April 14th, 2025, academic leaders from both countries outlined an ambitious vision for closer collaboration in research and innovation based on industry.

Prof. Hamdi Muluk, the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at Universitas Indonesia (UI), revealed the transformation of the research paradigm at UI over the past five years.

"We have changed the research and innovation paradigm from simply research to research as an economic agent. All research efforts must be downstreamed into products and ready for production," said Hamdi.

UI now employs a dual-track approach that combines 'demand-pull' and 'technology-push', where the needs of the industry, government, and society are transformed into research ideas, which are then developed into intellectual property, alliances, and patents.

During the forum, UI presented four potential areas for collaboration, namely electromagnetic and non-electromagnetic medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, implant systems, as well as food and drugs.

"There are very few memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that we have made between Universitas Indonesia and Russia, as far as I know, only with the Moscow State University. So, we are looking forward to further cooperation," said Hamdi.

Meanwhile, Prof. Yuriy Marfin, the Rector of the National Pacific University of Russia, highlighted their university's mission to contribute to the development of the Far East region of Russia and strengthen interactions with Asia-Pacific countries, including Indonesia.

"More than 15 percent of the students studying here are currently from other countries, especially from Asia-Pacific countries, including Indonesia," said Marfin.

The National Pacific University focuses its research on three main areas: complex mineral and raw material management, robotics and production automation technology, and applied Oriental studies focusing on language and cultural understanding to strengthen international cooperation.

Marfin invited Indonesian universities to consider student and academic exchange programs, as well as specialized training for certain companies that can support the economic development of both countries.

"Joint research may be the right bond for our effective cooperation," he said.

Both academic leaders agreed that establishing joint laboratories, combined scientific teams, and joint ventures could be strategic steps to implement new technologies in both countries. This also supports the development of student startups that have the potential to produce competitive innovations on the global stage.

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