ENHANCING US-INDONESIA PARTNERSHIP THROUGH SCIENCE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 JAKARTA 001882 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR STAS, OES, AND EAP DEPT PASS TO OSTP JASON RAO COMMERCE FOR NOAA BANGKOK FOR RDM/A E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TSPL TBIO SCUL SENV ENRG PGOV ID SUBJECT: ENHANCING US-INDONESIA PARTNERSHIP THROUGH SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT Ref: Jakarta 1473 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Post proposes a long-term science engagement strategy based upon three pillars: 1) upgrading Indonesia's science capacity through joint research that will provide ongoing mentoring relationships and connections to the U.S. science community; 2) assisting the recognition and development of the necessary soft infrastructure for S&T to flourish; and 3) building a knowledge-based society from education in science. Concluding the S&T Agreement currently under negotiation prior to the visit of recently named Science Envoy Dr. Bruce Alberts would demonstrate the seriousness that both sides attach to this aspect of our bilateral cooperation. An S&T Agreement establishes credibility for any new science engagement strategy. End Summary. -------------- VISION STATEMENT -------------- ¶2. (SBU) To use benefits derived from science and technology cooperation to guide Indonesia's progress towards further economic well-being and democratic reform. -------------- PILLAR ONE: BUILDING SCIENCE CAPACITY -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Increased scientific exchanges and joint research collaboration forms the core of this pillar. Activities could take place through existing cooperation or new projects such as the Global Science Corps. The impact of the activities is directly proportional to the number of participating U.S. SCIENTISTS and length of stay in Indonesia. - Developing the next generation of Indonesian SCIENTISTS through programs such as Fulbright or university-based programs; - Identifying research areas and activities of mutual interest to American and Indonesian SCIENTISTS such as climate change, marine fisheries and link to food security, ocean exploration and other areas; Note: For successful long-term engagement on ocean and marine research, both sides must ensure a successful mid-2010 exploration visit of NOAA's Okeanos Explorer. -------------- -------------- PILLAR TWO - POLICY: BUILDING SOFT S&T INFRASTRUCTURE -------------- -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Science Envoy and delegation could begin the first in a possible series of discussions in Indonesia that would both assess the situation and identify potential technical assistance opportunities. - Engage the Ministry of Research and Technology (MRT) in a series of discussions to identify blockages and potential solutions to develop a pro-science and innovation policy and regulatory environment; - Science academies and other non-government stakeholders on both sides could carry on similar discussions in parallel or integrated with the discussions with MRT; - After 6 months of cooperation and discussions, both sides could decide if a regular S&T dialogue should be launched; - Placement of one or two short-term science policy experts inside the MRT or other appropriate government science policy agency to assist Indonesia in shaping science policies and practices that encourage and foster a culture of innovation (removing laws that inhibit cooperation, providing incentives for innovations, etc.). -------------- -------------- JAKARTA 00001882 002 OF 003 PILLAR THREE: CREATING A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY -------------- -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Supporting education and centers of excellence, including through emphasizing science in existing Embassy USAID and Public Affairs Section (PAS) programs: - Elementary, secondary, and technical school science/math/technology education and training (USAID); - Increasing the number of PhD scientists; - Fostering cooperation and scientific exchanges between US and Indonesian educational institutions (PAS/USAID); - Creating centers of scientific excellence such as the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Ocean Fisheries (see reftel for proposal). -------------- IMMEDIATE ACTIVITIES FOR SCIENCE ENVOY -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Post understands that Dr. Bruce Alberts, Science Envoy, is considering a visit to Indonesia in January 2010. This coincides closely with the 100th day of President Yudhoyono's new administration. Our key counterpart likely will be the Ministry of Research and Technology (MRT),given its coordinating role and permitting authority on science and technology related activities and policy. Possible ideas for a 3-day visit include: - Presidential Lecture hosted and attended by President Yudhoyono; - Meet with key science contacts i.e. MRT, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT),the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI),Habibie Center, the Indonesian Academy of Science, Ministry of Education; - Science round table with key Indonesian scientists, policy makers, think tanks, and private sector; - Possible S&T MOU signing ceremony; - Outreach to key universities, i.e. University of Indonesia in Jakarta, Hasanuddin University in Makassar, Airlangga University in Surabaya, Gajah Madah University in Yogyakarta, and Institute of Technology Bandung; - Press event/interview. -------------- SEQUENCE OF EVENTS -------------- ¶7. (SBU) We envision the implementation of this science engagement strategy as a gradual process, initially building on existing programs and expanding as the S&T landscape is better defined through an assessment process. Benchmarks during Year 1 include: - Signing an S&T Agreement before end of January 2010; - GOI agreeing to series of discussions and activities launched by the Science Envoy, including science exchanges and prioritizing areas of joint research; - Conducting S&T needs assessment; - Identifying technical assistance to address policy environment for science and technology. -------------- POTENTIAL PARTNERS -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Our key GOI counterpart is the MRT with other partners such as BPPT, LIPI, and the Indonesian Academy of Science. Key science JAKARTA 00001882 003 OF 003 leaders with direct channels to the Presidential Palace include Director of the Eijkman Institute Dr. Sangkot Marzuki, Chairman of LIPI Dr. Umar Jenie, and BPPT Chairman Dr. Marzan Iskander. Depending on areas of cooperation, other important partners include the Ministries of Environment, Forestry, Fisheries, Health, Agriculture, Education, Communications, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and the Central Planning Agency. -------------- S&T CHALLENGES AHEAD -------------- ¶9. (SBU) If Indonesia is to become a regional democratic and economic powerhouse driven by rational science-based policies, it must prioritize investment in and application of science and technology capacity. Indonesia faces many challenges in the science and technology sector. The simple lack of science capacity stands out most clearly. A legal and policy environment unfriendly to research and commercialization, lack of science-based approach to policy-making, and a seniority-based culture limit the emergence of a stronger innovative society in Indonesia. Furthermore, due to a long history of foreign occupation, suspicion of international engagement can rise up - spurred on by media attention - and create political challenges. In 2006, the health minister took an extreme position to block all cooperation with foreigners on H5N1 virus sample sharing on the basis that Indonesia owned the genetic rights of viruses from which foreign pharmaceutical companies develop vaccines. Sample sharing has not resumed, and cooperation on biomedical research with the United States remains chilled. ¶10. (SBU) Dr. Bruce Alberts' visit to Indonesia as Science Envoy provides an opportunity to highlight and deepen our collaboration on science and technology at the outset of President Yudhoyono's new administration. However, key to building our future relationship is the signing of the S&T Agreement. Absence of this agreement limits future collaboration. Osius