New UK-Indonesian research consortium launches to tackle coronavirus and climate change

The British and Indonesian governments have shared goals and are committed to collaborate in providing solutions to future pandemic and reducing carbon print. The consortium is a concerted effort by UK and Indonesian universities towards fulfilling the goals of the MoU, by catalysing research collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries on these subjects.

Resilience will be explored from varied and interdisciplinary angles by UKICIS members. This includes food and how we can ensure there is sufficient, accessible supplies for all in the wake of unforeseen disasters. Our researchers will examine the mental health implications of, and public health preparedness for, the kinds of crises we are now witnessing.

Other research projects will focus on the capabilities of man-made structures, data systems, energy supplies or transport networks to withstand hazards. We will also shine a light on business recovery strategies in the wake of financial crises and policy resilience when challenged by societal and economic change associated with shocks.

Dr Bagus Muljadi, Assistant Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham and appointed UKICIS Coordinator

Coventry University is working on multiple projects to help businesses and societies recover from the impact of the coronavirus crisis, and we welcome this opportunity to combine our expertise, with those of our partners in the UK and Indonesia, to help combat common challenges on an international scale and help build a resilient future for both countries.

Our research within the Sustainable Production and Consumption cluster, in the Centre for Business in Society, adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and is framed by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By working together and sharing our expertise with our partners in the UKICIS within this sector, we aim to tackle global sustainability challenges in business and to support the overall agenda across the world.

Professor Benny Tjahjano, Co-Lead of the Sustainable Production and Consumption cluster within Coventry University’s Centre for Business in Society

Coventry University is delighted to be joining this new UK-Indonesia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Sciences.  Coventry has been working with Indonesian University partners and academics as well as Indonesian government departments and officials for the last few years and developed great relationships, not least in research in social relations, health, engineering and business.  The consortium between the three UK Midlands universities of Coventry, Nottingham and Warwick, and partners at Gadjah Mada University, IPB University and Institut Teknologi Bandung, brings together an exciting mix of institutions and individuals well placed to provide real world answers and insights from interdisciplinary perspectives to some of the major societal challenges that we face.

Professor Guy Daly, Coventry University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

The University of Warwick has been collaborating with Indonesian partners including universities and government institutions for many years. This includes research projects funded by Newton Fund and European commission as well as a dual degree MSc programme in Tunnelling and Underground Space. At the moment, Warwick is leading a major €1 million project in Humanitarian Engineering which involves Indonesian academic partners. We are also in the process of establishing a doctoral training programme, working together with Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture to provide scholarships for Indonesian students to study at Warwick. The inaugural meeting of the UK-Indonesia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Sciences (UKICIS) is a start to a series of collaborative actions and programmes by all partners in the consortium as we work together globally to address global challenges.

Dr Irwanda Laory, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Warwick

Global challenges such as food security, the climate emergency, and disease pandemics can only be properly addressed through true international collaboration – different countries and institutions pooling their expertise, their resources, and their unique local knowledge. 

The UK-Indonesia research consortium will serve to further connect our two countries in this way, establishing a research and educational network that will seek to tackle widespread social and scientific issues, from urban rehousing and women’s empowerment to energy and protecting crops.

Warwick welcomes hundreds of students from Southeast Asia to its campus every year, and we’ve hosted events such as the Warwick Indonesia Forum, the Indonesian Scholars International Convention, and the Overseas Indonesian Students’ Association Alliance International Symposium, in the last few years.

I am proud that Warwick is now building on its strong existing links by co-founding this new consortium, alongside our partners across Indonesia and the UK.

Professor Christine Ennew, Provost of the University of Warwick

The launch of UKICIS is timely. Firstly, it shows the diaspora of Indonesian scientists’ contribution to working together in finding innovative solutions to address the global challenge of Covid-19 pandemic. Secondly, UKICIS will serve as a platform for Indonesian and UK scientists and researchers to enhance their collaboration in supporting the MoU on Research and Innovation Partnership between Indonesia-UK, signed on 5 August 2020. Thirdly, it aims to bridge communication between university and community through public outreach programs. The launch of UKICIS on the Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence day was a truly lovely gesture.

Adam M. Tugio, Charge d’affaires, Indonesian Embassy in London