The University of New England hosted yesterday’s visit by Nadjib Riphat Kesoema, Indonesian ambassador to Australia, who held high-level meetings with executives from UNE and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and research leaders. 

As part of the visit, the ambassador toured the university’s agricultural research facilities, including the renowned SMART Farm and the Centre for Animal Research and Teaching.

UNE vice-chancellor Professor Annabelle Duncan said the visit was intended to build a stronger relationship between UNE and Indonesia, coinciding with the rollout of two new research projects developed by ACIAR with UNE as the Australian research partner. 

Supported by the federal government, the $11.7 million investment focuses on integrated beef production and improving smallholder cattle systems in eastern Indonesia to benefit the local economy and food security.

Ambassador Kesoema said he had been interested in the progress of these projects, due to the importance of beef production and trade in the context of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia.

“Agriculture plays a central role in Indonesia’s development. It contributes to about 15 per cent of our GDP and creates 40 per cent of all jobs throughout Indonesia’s many islands,” he said.

“As we move forward, I strongly support this co-operation and encourage all involved to cultivate and invest in our agriculture future, for better food security, safety and prosperity for the peoples of Indonesia and Australia.”

Parallel to this agreement, UNE will also be partnering with 10 Indonesian universities to run its new professional doctorate program, which will support 10 to 20 Indonesian students at UNE to work on research projects across the Indonesian beef industry supply chain.

Professor Duncan said, with many Indonesian students enrolled at UNE and a number of research projects under way in the south-east Asian nation, the visit by the ambassador would only enhance the relationship.