Tokyo, 5 March 2026: The ERIA School of Government (SoG) convened a strategic meeting between the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to introduce JST’s institutional structure and programmes, and to explore opportunities for strengthening Indonesia–Japan co-operation in science, technology, and innovation.

During the meeting, JST provided an overview of its role as a national research and development agency operating under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). The agency supports Japan’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Basic Plan through research funding, strategic R&D planning, policy support, and public engagement initiatives. JST also works alongside other research funding bodies, including the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), which focus on curiosity-driven research and medical innovation, respectively.

JST introduced several international collaboration programmes involving Indonesian institutions, including the e-Asia Joint Research Program, the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), and the NEXUS programme supporting research collaboration between Japan and ASEAN countries. These initiatives support joint research and capacity building in areas such as alternative energy, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, environmental management, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Both sides also exchanged views on potential areas for deeper Japan–Indonesia co-operation in science and technology, including energy security, critical minerals, water resource management, and emerging technologies. BRIN Chairman Prof. Arif Satria highlighted recent developments in research governance following the establishment of BRIN, which now oversees Indonesia’s national research ecosystem and prioritises areas such as energy, water, health, industrial transformation, and electronics.

Participants also expressed interest in strengthening collaboration through existing JST programmes and future joint research initiatives involving Indonesian and Japanese institutions.

This engagement forms part of ERIA’s ongoing efforts to promote dialogue between research institutions and government stakeholders, and to advance practical avenues for scientific and technological co-operation between Indonesia and Japan.