Science, technology, and innovation have the potential to solve global development problems. Many USAID programs in Indonesia support the generation and transfer of scientific knowledge and technologies. These efforts provide a catalyst for Indonesia to move forward on the nation’s development continuum.

Our portfolio ranges from the establishment of accredited medical laboratories for detecting multi-drug resistant TB to the development of the automated case tracking system (CTS) that provides an up-to-date summary of cases for court officials and the public.

• USAID introduced to Indonesia medical technology that diagnoses TB in hours instead of weeks.
• USAID helped the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) and the Knowledge Sector Initiative to establish the Indonesian Science Fund which would directly supply scientists and researchers with funds for world class research to support Indonesia competitiveness.
• USAID uses simple mobile and web-based technology to create an effective referral system that reduces delays and saves lives in medical emergencies.

USAID partners with the Indonesian government to improve the quality of scientific research, evidence-based decision making at all levels, and to use new and innovative approaches to achieve Indonesia-specific development goals. The partnership includes scholarship opportunities and joint research between Indonesian and American scientists and researchers tackling global challenges in the fields of health, STEM education, marine conservation, biodiversity, and climate change. 

USAID supports the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program that provides individual research grants to Indonesian scientists to conduct development-related research in partnership with American scientists. USAID also supports University Partnership programs, teamworks between U.S. and Indonesian universities to improve teaching and research capacity in Indonesian universities in public health, education, environmental protection/climate change, and civil society.

In partnership with the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, USAID works with 50 higher education institutions across Indonesia to improve general administration and leadership, quality assurance of institutional management and academic programs, financial management, and external collaboration. 

USAID also facilitates partnerships between the Indonesian government and private sector to adopt advance technologies for development goals.

If we agree that a good basic education system is critical to a country’s future scientific and technological advancement, then perhaps USAID’s most critical work is being done in the area of education. Programs in enhancing quality of basic education and providing solid teacher training are laying the groundwork for development of a solid core of future Indonesian scientists and researchers.