Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C. — Indonesian professors teaching at universities across the United States convened virtually on Monday, November 3, 2025, to express their commitment to advancing Indonesia’s human resource development, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). The meeting, held via Zoom, was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, who welcomed the professors’ initiatives to contribute to Indonesia’s scientific and industrial progress.
Professor Romulus Godang from the University of Southern Alabama offered his expertise in high-energy physics and database systems. Professor Teruna Siahaan from the University of Kansas presented his research on biopharmacology and biotechnology that targets cancer cells precisely without damaging healthy tissues. Professor Justinus Satrio from the University of Philadelphia shared his work on renewable energy, biofuels, and thermochemical conversion while initiating an agro-technopark development project in Indonesia.
From the Louisiana State University, Professor Heri Utomo introduced high-protein, low-glycemic rice varieties ready for field trials in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Professor Siti Kusujiarti, Director of Climate Action at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, expressed readiness to collaborate in disaster mitigation and climate adaptation programs.
Professor Andi Saptono from the University of Pittsburgh, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI), pledged support for the development of health informatics and genetic research through AI, emphasizing the importance of clear regulations on intellectual property rights in Indonesia. Professor Syafrida from Morgan State University shared modern teaching methods for mathematics that could enhance education in Indonesia.
In the field of computing, Professor Haryadi Gunawi from the University of Chicago reaffirmed his commitment to continue the GARUDA program, which prepares Indonesian youth for higher education in leading American universities. Professor Bari Hanafi from the University of Arkansas discussed Indonesia’s unexplored potential in hydrogen gas resources for sustainable energy. Professor Dwi Susanto from the University of Maryland confirmed his readiness to develop ocean-based renewable energy systems, including wave, current, and tidal power plants, with preliminary surveys already conducted in Indonesia.
In a related statement, Dr. Fauzan Adziman, Director General of Research and Development at the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Diktisainstek), confirmed government support for joint research between U.S. and Indonesian universities, backed by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). LPDP’s President Director, Dr. Sudarto, also highlighted fiscal incentives of up to 300% for companies investing in research and development.
Dr. Ahmad Najid Burhani, Director General of Science and Technology at Diktisainstek, elaborated on the GARUDA Program, which sends selected Indonesian high school graduates to study STEMM majors at top U.S. universities under mentorship from Indonesian diaspora professors.
Tandean Rustandi, a University of Chicago alumnus and Indonesian philanthropist with networks at the University of Colorado Boulder and Yale University, pledged to help Indonesian students gain access to these prestigious institutions.
Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo reaffirmed that Indonesia’s human resource development strategy—integrating collaboration with top U.S. universities and Indonesian professors abroad—aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to expand STEMM education. He emphasized that these initiatives will strengthen Indonesia’s self-reliance in food, energy, water management, mineral downstreaming, and participation in global supply chains. (*)
