Under the umbrella of the Indonesian Science Academy (AIPI) and with funding from the LPDP of up to USD 3 billion per year over 5 years, the 30th March saw the launch of the Indonesia Science Fund (ISF/DIPI). The ISF/DIPI is Indonesia’s first independent, multi-year funding scheme that is intended to finance long-term world-class scientific research. The UK has supported the establishment of the ISF via the Newton Fund. The US and Australia have also provided support. According to ISF’s new Executive Director, J. W. Saputro, the ISF will provide grants for research in the areas of health and the environment during the first year. The first calls will be opened on April 16th and a joint workshop with the MRC funded by the Newton Fund is being held in Jakarta on 26-28 April to promote the call to Indonesian scientists.

Source: face to face meetings with AIPI Director and ISF Executive Director in the lead up to the launch and launch attendance; ISF/DIPI website: http://www.dipi.id/en/ Email: info@dipi.id twitter: @DIPI_Indonesia

Commentary by: Teresa Birks, British Council Indonesia, Director Education and Society, teresa.birks@britishcouncil.or.id

The establishment of the ISF/DIPI is very good news for Indonesian research, though its launch was not without power struggles and only last minute confirmation of commitment by the LPDP to provide support. To date, Indonesian researchers looking for research funding from the government have had to rely on yearly grants that follow the annual budget cycle, which has not only been a very bureaucratic process, but which has also limited the researcher’s ability to plan and execute their research.

The UK is well placed to continue a fruitful relationship with the ISF. A delegation from AIPI, ISF and Ristek Dikti recently visited the UK and met with RCUK, MRC and other research councils. In the future the ISF will open Institutional Links type calls, dates to be confirmed. The extent of participation in research calls by foreign universities and research institutes is not clear, however MRC call will clearly require Newton Fund UK-Indonesia consortium approach.