The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) for Indonesia and Timor Leste conducted a working visit to Universitas Gadjah Mada on Thursday (Jun. 12).
The visit, held in the leadership meeting room of the Central Building, was received by UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko.
Meanwhile, the IRD Delegation consisted of Professor Adèle Martial as IRD Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Also present were Vincent Drapeau as IRD Representative from the Department of European and International Relations, and Lorène Boulvais as Geophysics scientific and technical cooperation officer, IRD.
This meeting continued discussions on strengthening and developing previous cooperation plans.
One plan to strengthen cooperation is in the maritime sector, intended for collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Agriculture.
“Indonesia, with its rich seaweed, can be further researched, not only its distribution but also identifying existing species,” Dr. Hadmoko said.
Professor Martial stated that IRD agreed to strengthen collaboration, including research to improve nutrition in Indonesia.
This covers the development of functional foods and rice fortification.
“The French Government responded positively to the planned cooperation and supports a more comprehensive collaboration between France and Indonesia,” Professor Martial said.
Dr. Hadmoko mentioned that this cooperation opportunity is a good first step to discuss research development between the two countries.
According to Dr. Hadmoko, this cooperation can be continued through other topics such as biodiversity, fisheries, and health.
He also hopes that IRD researchers will become guest lecturers at UGM.
“Hopefully, this cooperation plan can continue to be developed and share benefits for both parties,” Dr. Hadmoko hoped.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto