In an effort to further strengthen collaboration and exploration in various sectors, Mochammad Firman Hidayat, Deputy Coordinating Minister of Maritime Resources at the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Indonesia, led a high-level delegation on a visit to India.

With a spotlight on enhancing the longstanding ties between India and Indonesia, the delegation engaged from April 1-5, 2024, in substantive discussions across key cities including New Delhi, Bangalore, Tuticorin, and Chennai.

Their interactions spanned government officials, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual growth and prosperity.

At the forefront of their agenda was the desire to foster collaboration across diverse sectors, with a particular emphasis on biotechnology, digital inclusion, agriculture, and the study of India’s Midday Meal Scheme, aimed at providing quality meals to school students. The delegation’s keen interest in learning from India’s experiences underscores a shared commitment to addressing similar societal challenges.

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The visit commenced with informative discussions at the Department of Biotechnology, where the delegation interacted with officials and researchers to explore potential avenues for cooperation in biotechnological research and innovation. The delegation’s interest in India’s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) underscores the potential for nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem in Indonesia, drawing inspiration from India’s success story in this area.

Simultaneously, discussions at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology shed light on India’s pioneering initiatives in digital public infrastructure, notably the Jan Dhan Aadhar Mobile (JAM) trinity, which has significantly enhanced financial inclusion and accessibility, particularly during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

A significant highlight of the visit was the exploration of India’s Midday Meal Scheme, lauded by Indonesian officials for its success in providing nutritious meals to school students. The delegation’s visit to Akshaya Patra’s kitchen facilities in Bangalore provided valuable insights, fueling aspirations for a similar program in Indonesia and laying the groundwork for potential future collaborations in this area.

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Delving deeper into India’s digital infrastructure landscape, the delegation’s interaction with the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure showcased the potential of inclusive and innovative digital economies, offering valuable lessons for Indonesia’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.

To further bolster cooperation in the blue economy, the delegation visited Sea6 facilities in Bangalore and Tuticorin, highlighting the potential for collaboration in sustainable energy and green initiatives. Discussions centered on leveraging seaweed for various applications, including agriculture, aquaculture, renewable chemicals, and biofuels, with mutual agreement on expanding the footprint of initiatives such as BIRAC in Indonesia.

The visit culminated in Chennai, where the delegation explored the pioneering research initiatives of the National Institute of Ocean Technology and engaged with experts at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, on innovative solutions for biofuel production from seaweed. The exchange of ideas and exploration of joint research programs underscored the potential for collaboration in advancing sustainable development goals.

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The delegation’s visit has laid the groundwork for enhanced Indo-Indonesian collaboration across multiple domains, driven by a shared commitment to addressing common challenges while promoting economic growth and social inclusion. As both nations embark on this journey of cooperation, the possibilities for mutual learning and innovation are boundless, heralding a new era of partnership and progress.