Depok, June 24, 2026 — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), welcomed a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of an exploratory visit aimed at establishing cooperation in education and research. The meeting was held at the FMIPA UI Faculty Administration Center, Universitas Indonesia’s Depok Campus, on Friday, June 19.
The visit marked an initial step toward strengthening collaboration between FMIPA UI and research as well as higher education institutions in Germany, particularly in the fields of bioplastics and the bioeconomy. The initiative is expected to create opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, and the development of innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development and the advancement of science and technology in both countries.
The event was opened by Zico Alaia Akbar Junior, Manager of the Research Ecosystem and Impactful Science Commercialization at FMIPA UI, who also served as the moderator throughout the program.
In his remarks, the Dean of FMIPA UI, Tito Latif Indra, expressed his appreciation for the visit of the BMFTR delegation to FMIPA UI. According to him, the visit was both an honor and a strategic opportunity to establish broader partnerships in the fields of education and research.
Prof. Tito Latif Indra presented the recent developments and various achievements of FMIPA UI in both academic and non-academic fields. He also introduced several potential areas of collaboration that could be pursued jointly, including student exchange programs, summer programs, collaborative research projects, research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as other forms of academic cooperation.
“We hope to learn from the experiences and best practices of institutions in Germany, while also sharing our own experiences and strengths as part of Indonesia’s higher education ecosystem,” said Tito Latif Indra.
Meanwhile, Sandra Lehneke, who served as the Head of Delegation and Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome extended by FMIPA UI. She stated that the delegation was honored to have the opportunity to engage in direct discussions on strengthening cooperation in education and research.
Sandra highlighted the potential for collaboration in the fields of bioplastics and the bioeconomy, including opportunities to develop scholarship programs funded by the German government for education in Indonesia. In addition, she emphasized the importance of strengthening alumni networks and engaging graduates who have studied in Germany as part of broader efforts to expand international collaboration between the two countries.
In the subsequent session, Zico Alaia Akbar Junior presented a brief profile of FMIPA UI, covering its academic programs, accreditation status, and various achievements attained by the faculty. He also introduced several of FMIPA UI’s leading research clusters that align closely with the areas of collaboration currently being explored with the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
In his presentation, Zico Alaia Akbar Junior also highlighted FMIPA UI’s experience in implementing various international collaboration programs, including the ASEAN University Network> Asia Deep Dive Programs (ADDPs), German Academic Exchange Service grants, international seminars, summer courses, and student mobility programs.
During the discussion session, both parties exchanged perspectives and ideas on potential areas of collaboration that could be developed in the future, encompassing education, research, and human resource development. The dialogue served as an opportunity to identify shared interests and explore concrete initiatives that could strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between FMIPA UI and institutions in Germany.
On the same occasion, the BMFTR delegation, accompanied by Windri Handayani, Head of the Department of Biology, and her team, visited the Merck Collaboration Lab. The visit aimed to provide the delegation with a firsthand look at the educational and research facilities supporting the development of bioplastics and the bioeconomy.
The series of activities concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts between FMIPA UI and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as a symbol of friendship and a shared commitment to strengthening collaborative relations in the future.
The delegation from BMFTR consisted of Sandra Lehneke (Head of Delegation and Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department), Kathrin Meyer (Head of Division I14 Asia/Oceania), Jens Hofmann (Deputy Head of Division I14 Asia/Oceania), and Annisa Fitria from the Embassy of Germany in Jakarta, Science and Technology Division.
From FMIPA UI, the event was attended by the Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration, Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum, Prof. Dr. S.Si., M.Si.; Zico Alaia Akbar Junior, Manager of the Research Ecosystem and Impactful Science Commercialization; Asri Oktavioni Indraswari, Assistant Manager for Curriculum and International Class Affairs; Windri Handayani, Head of the Department of Biology; as well as program heads, laboratory heads, and research group leaders within the Department of Biology at FMIPA UI.
