Advancing Education and Innovation: Universities Strengthen Indo-Pacific Ties

Western Australia and East Java Universities Unite for Innovation and Growth

Murdoch University has successfully hosted the inaugural Western Australia East Java University Consortium (WAEJUC) Research Summit, welcoming Indonesian research leaders to strengthen international academic collaboration. The event, organised in partnership with Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and the University of Notre Dame, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing alliance established in 2017 under the Sister States Agreement between East Java and Western Australia. Designed to foster cooperation, the initiative enhances opportunities for students, academics, and industry stakeholders through knowledge-sharing and research exchanges, further reinforcing the ties between the two regions.

The WAEJUC Research Summit represented a crucial step in advancing research to strengthen education and innovation. Murdoch University’s participation was led by Professor Jacqueline Lo, Director of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre, and David Scholefield from the College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences. Their efforts were supported by the College’s professional services team and the International Office. The opening ceremony, held at Murdoch’s Boola Katitjin, featured keynote speeches from Yaz Mubarakai MLA, representing the Western Australian Government, H.E. Listiana Operananta, Consul General of Indonesia, and Professor Peter Eastwood, Murdoch University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation.

The East Java delegation comprised Deputy Vice Chancellors and Research Directors from several prestigious Indonesian universities, including Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Brawijaya, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Universitas Negeri Malang, and Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur. One of the key features of the summit was the ‘matchmaking’ sessions, which aimed to promote research collaboration in fields such as health, agriculture, social sciences, sustainability, and energy. Additionally, delegates toured Murdoch University, engaging with researchers and visiting key facilities, including the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, the Personalised Medicine Centre, the Health Futures Institute, Creative Media Studios, Engineering and Energy Labs, and the Veterinary Hospital.

As part of the week-long programme, participants visited other Western Australian universities and took a tour of the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Furthermore, receptions were hosted by Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Pramono, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Indonesian Business Council. These engagements provided valuable networking opportunities and strengthened partnerships between institutions.

Professor Jacqueline Lo described the WA Government-funded summit as highly successful, highlighting that several promising partnerships are now being considered by Murdoch University. Similarly, Professor Peter Eastwood emphasised that Murdoch University, as a globally focused institution, is committed to expanding partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. He added that the university looks forward to collaborating with East Javanese universities to advance research that supports industry development under the sister state agreement.

Echoing this sentiment, Professor Iman Harymawan, WAEJUC Co-Chair (Research) from Universitas Airlangga, described the summit as productive, noting that it fostered meaningful connections among the participants. He also praised Murdoch University’s strong leadership presence, which demonstrated its clear commitment to the initiative and boosted optimism for future collaboration. An annual WAEJUC research grant scheme has now been launched, with proposals due in July. Looking ahead, a WA alumni event and a second research meeting are scheduled for late 2025 in Surabaya, further strengthening ties with industry, government, and the wider community. Through this summit, Murdoch University and its partners have demonstrated the importance of international collaboration in driving impactful research and fostering academic exchange.

Editor's Note:

The WAEJUC Research Summit marks a crucial advancement in global research collaboration. This inaugural event unites prominent universities from Western Australia and East Java, underscoring the increasing importance of international partnerships in tackling significant global issues. In an era where international alliances shape technological advancements, economic development, and education reform, the summit serves as a model for how universities can drive meaningful change beyond their regions. Murdoch University and its partners have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering impactful research, bridging gaps between academia, industry, and government. With promising partnerships now emerging, this initiative has the potential to accelerate innovation in key areas such as health, sustainability, and energy. 

Skoobuzz underscores that this collaboration's success will be judged by its research achievements, its impact on policy and industry, and its long-term effects on higher education in both Western Australia and East Java as it develops.