In a move signaling a shift toward technological self-reliance, Indonesia and Iran have taken concrete steps to formalize a comprehensive scientific partnership, moving beyond traditional political diplomacy to address shared developmental challenges.
On Wednesday, July 15, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) hosted a joint webinar titled 'Advancing Iran-Indonesia Research Collaboration: Strategic Opportunities Ahead.' The virtual meeting brought together senior officials and academics to map out cooperation in critical sectors, including health, water security, and environmental sustainability—areas identified as vital to Indonesia's long-term resilience.
The initiative aligns with the new administration's vision in Jakarta, which has prioritized science and technology as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Speaking in December, Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran Rouliansyah Roy Soemirat stressed the urgency of reducing scientific dependence on Western powers. "Relations between Tehran and Jakarta need to be upgraded from political to technological cooperation," he stated, highlighting the need for a joint network focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and marine sciences.
The strategic calculus is clear: with a combined population of nearly 370 million, the two nations represent a significant market for tech products and services. However, the focus is less on trade and more on co-development. Ambassador Soemirat, following a visit to Iran's House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT) exhibition, noted that Iran's capabilities in biotechnology and medical advancements—particularly telemedicine—are particularly appealing for an archipelagic nation like Indonesia, which comprises over 17,000 islands.
"The best way to provide medical services in many of these areas is through telemedicine," the Ambassador remarked, pointing to the potential for knowledge transfer in remote surgery and digital health solutions.
To operationalize this vision, officials have proposed the establishment of an Iranian business and technology hub in Jakarta, alongside a calendar of reciprocal workshops and exhibitions. These platforms are intended to create a sustainable communication pipeline between technological companies and institutions from both nations.
The diplomatic push comes at a time when both countries are strengthening their multilateral roles. As members of BRICS and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Indonesia and Iran are seeking to foster synergy to address not only bilateral issues but also broader challenges facing the Islamic world and the Global South.
Ambassador Soemirat also underscored shared geopolitical perspectives, specifically stating Indonesia's opposition to unilateral sanctions and advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. "Indonesia defends the right of all countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," he affirmed, positioning Jakarta as a mediator that supports dialogue over confrontation.
As the administration looks to expand food and energy security and empower human resources, the burgeoning partnership with Tehran represents a calculated effort to diversify Indonesia's technological portfolio. By turning the sea into a "factor for unity" through blue economy initiatives and climate change adaptation, both nations are betting that scientific collaboration will be the bedrock of a more resilient and independent future.
