Indonesia, UK boost higher education ties via JWG 2025

hartono · Nov 18, 2025

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Indonesian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie (left) and UK International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith (right) attend the Joint Working Group (JWG) Indonesia-United Kingdom on Higher Education 2025 in Bandung, Monday (Nov. 17, 2025). ANTARA/HO-Kemdiktisaintek

Jakarta (ANTARA) -

Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) is strengthening collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) through the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Higher Education 2025, held in Bandung on Monday.

The forum focused on Transnational Education, Joint Research and Development, and Technology Transfer and Commercialization, aiming to turn agreements into concrete actions.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, emphasized the collaboration as key to building a globally oriented and adaptive higher education ecosystem.

"The Indonesia-UK partnership in today's forum serves as a momentum and starting point for constructive and conclusive collaboration," she said, noting that Indonesia currently has 411 active inter-campus agreements.

UK International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith, leading the British delegation, welcomed the forum as a commitment to bilateral ties.

He recalled early 2025 discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting education as a foundation for innovation, welfare, and inclusive growth.

“Indonesia is a priority in the UK’s international education strategy. Through the JWG and new initiatives linking UK institutions with Indonesian partners, we aim to create benefits for students, universities, and both nations in the coming years,” Smith said.

Summer Xia, Country Director for Indonesia and Director for Southeast Asia at the British Council, reaffirmed support for the collaboration.

He highlighted joint research and transnational education as pathways to drive innovation, knowledge creation, and address global challenges together.