IFAR Consortium and Buffett Institute, Northwestern University, Strengthen Academic Partnerships in Indonesia

Jakarta, February 2025 – The Institutes for Advanced Research (IFAR) Consortium and the Buffett Institute of Northwestern University have taken a significant step forward in advancing world-class research and higher education in Indonesia. In a series of high-level discussions with key academic and government institutions, the delegation reaffirmed its dedication to expanding international collaboration, nurturing future scholars, and fostering groundbreaking research.

The meetings, held with IFARs leaders at Atma Jaya Catholic University, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Monash University Indonesia, and at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, underscored the power of partnership in driving transformative academic initiatives. Discussions focused on strengthening research collaboration, facilitating exchange programs, and energizing scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students.

(From left to right: Ana Saleh – ISRSF/IFAR Consortium; Prof. Jane Jacobs – Director, IFAR Monash Indonesia; Dr. Ratri Istyana – Senior Fellow to IFAR Atma Jaya; Sondang Simanjuntak, SH. LLM, - ISRSF Board of Advisor; Dr. Philips J. Vermonte – UIII; Prof. Laura Hein – Northwestern University; Dr. Ridarson Galingging – ISRSF Treasurer; Prof. Jonathan Pincus – ISRSF Board of Trustees;  Irfan Hutagalung – Chairman of ISRSF & IFAR Consortium; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute; Prof. Jamhari Makruf – UIII Rector and Director of IFAR UIII; Prof. Stephen Cairns – Monash Indonesia; Saiful Umam Ph.D. – UIII; Dr. Yohanes Eko Adi Prasetyanto, S.Si, - Vice Rector Atma Jaya University; Fadil Kuntjara – ISRSF/IFAR Consortium; Dr. Sirojuddin Arif – UIII; Dr. Sarah Gultom – Monash Indonesia; Haidar Adhiwikara – ISRSF)

Deepening Collaboration Across Key Institutions

During discussions at IFAR Atma Jaya Catholic University, the delegation explored the development of the Atma Jaya School of Public Policy (SPP), emphasizing its critical role in bridging academic research and policymaking. The visit highlighted the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and policy advocacy, particularly in health policy and inequality studies.

(From left to right: Prof. Jonathan Pincus – ISRSF Board of Trustees; Irfan Hutagalung – Chairman of ISRSF & IFAR Consortium; Dr. Agustinus Prasetyantoko – Director of IFAR Atma Jaya; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute; Prof. Laura Hein – Northwestern University)

At IFAR UIII, the delegation met with Rector Prof. Jamhari Makruf, who also serves as Director of IFAR UIII, to discuss avenues for joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, and global academic collaborations. The meeting reaffirmed UIII’s dedication to academic excellence, interfaith dialogue, and international research engagement.

(From left to right: Dr. Gde Dwitya Arief Metera – IFAR UIII; Ana Saleh – ISRSF/IFAR Consortium; Dr. Sirojuddin Arif – UIII; Prof. Jonathan Pincus – ISRSF Board of Trustees; Prof. Laura Hein – Northwestern University; Prof. Jamhari Makruf – UIII Rector and Director of IFAR UIII; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute; Irfan Hutagalung – Chairman of ISRSF & IFAR Consortium; Saiful Umam Ph.D. – UIII)

At IFAR Monash University Indonesia, discussions with Prof. Jane Jacobs, Vice President-Research and Interim Director of IFAR Monash Indonesia, and Prof. Matthew Nicholson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President, centred on future joint research projects and strengthening Monash’s research landscape in Indonesia. The delegation expressed enthusiasm for the university’s growing impact as a hub for cutting-edge research and scholarly innovation.

(From left to right: Irfan Hutagalung – Chairman of ISRSF & IFAR Consortium; Ana Saleh – ISRSF/IFAR Consortium; Prof. Laura Hein – Northwestern University; Christine – Monash Indonesia; Prof. Jane Jacobs – Director, IFAR Monash Indonesia; Dr. Lutfi Adam – IFAR Monash Indonesia; Dr. Sari Ratri – IFAR Monash Indonesia; Auviar Wicaksanti – Monash Indonesia; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute)

(From left to right: Prof. Matthew Nicholson – Pro Vice-Chancellor & President, Monash University, Indonesia; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute)

Government Partnerships and Policy Engagement

During the engagement with Vice Minister Prof. Stella Christie at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, discussions focused on President Prabowo’s eight key education initiatives, particularly the government’s commitment to expanding scholarship programs and launching SMA Unggul Garuda. This flagship initiative aims to equip Indonesia’s future leaders with access to world-class education and research opportunities.

"The government’s vision for higher education reform is an inspiring step toward ensuring that Indonesia remains competitive in the global academic arena," said Irfan Hutagalung, Chairman of ISRSF and Coordinator of the IFAR Consortium. 

(From left to right: Saiful Umam Ph.D. – UIII; Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim – Vice Rector, UIII; Prof. Laura Hein – Northwestern University; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute; Irfan Hutagalung – Chairman of ISRSF & IFAR Consortium; Vice Minister Prof. Stella Christie Ph. D; Dr. Fauzan Adziman, ST, M.Eng., - Dgfor Research and Development; Yos Sunitiyoso, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D – Director for Downstreaming and Partnership; Dr. Karlissa Priandana, S.T., M.Eng.; Dr. Berry Juliandi, S.Si, M.Si.; Adi Nuryanto, S.T., M.T. – Director for Talent Management)

Building a Thriving Research Ecosystem

A key highlight of the discussions was the Arryman Scholars Initiative, a flagship ISRSF program that has already supported Indonesian PhD students at Northwestern University and SOAS University of London. The initiative continues to grow, with a goal of producing 40 globally recognized postdoctoral scholars who will contribute to groundbreaking research and thought leadership.

Additionally, the IFAR Consortium, established in 2021, is expanding its research-oriented ecosystem to ensure that Indonesian scholars have access to the resources, mentorship, and global networks needed to thrive.

"We are building more than just research institutions—we are cultivating a dynamic intellectual ecosystem where Indonesian academics can innovate, collaborate, and make a lasting impact on global knowledge production," Hutagalung emphasized. "By bringing together world-class researchers, institutions, and government partners, we are ensuring that Indonesian scholarship is recognized and valued on the global stage."

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for Academic Excellence

The series of meetings reaffirmed a shared vision between IFAR, the Buffett Institute, and Indonesia’s leading institutions: a vision that champions higher education excellence, deeper research collaboration, and greater international academic engagement.

"This is just the beginning of a transformative journey," Hutagalung stated. "With growing support from government agencies, international universities, and local research institutions, we are confident that Indonesia’s role in global academic and research collaboration will continue to grow."

As IFAR Consortium and its partners move forward, these collaborations are expected to enhance Indonesia’s academic reputation, empower scholars, and drive meaningful research contributions on the global stage.

(From left to right: Irfan Hutagalung – Chairman of ISRSF & IFAR Consortium; Prof. Deborah Cohen – Buffett Institute; Prof. Laura Hein – Northwestern University)

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