Jakarta (Indonesia Window) - The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Research, Development and Innovation Agency has agreed to work together in several fields with Griffith University, Australia, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brisbane on Thursday (10/10).

Information from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney received in Jakarta on Friday said the MoU which has been in effect for three years, included capacity building in the field of environment and forest management, as well as adaptation to climate change and sustainable exploitation.

The cooperation document was signed by the Head of the Research, Development and Innovation Agency, Dr. Agus Justianto and Vice President (Global) of Griffith University, Professor Sarah Todd.

"I believe that this MoU is not just on paper. For Indonesia, the area of ​​cooperation in this MoU is very valid, "said Dr. Justianto.

He added that the cooperation in the environment and forestry sector was in line  with the development programs of the Indonesian government which is preparing to move its capital city to Kalimantan.

"Environment and forestry experts in Australia, particularly at Griffith University, can share experiences with the Australian government to move the capital to Canberra," said Dr. Justianto.

Meanwhile, Prof. Sarah Todd said that the MoU on the cooperation between Griffith University and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry should be an active document.

Discussions between the delegations of the Indonesian ministry and Griffith University mentioned several activities to be included in the Strategic Action Plan of the MoU for the 2019-2022 period.

"I propose a distance learning program in the field of environment and forestry between the ministry and Griffith University to be included in the 2019-2022 strategic action plan," said Dr. Justianto.

Other programs include research projects  related to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate change and joint research projects on the impact of new national capital development on Indonesia's commitment to NDCs.

According to Consul Hermanus Dimara, the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney appreciated the cooperation agreement between the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Griffith University.

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney as the Representative of the Republic of Indonesia whose working area includes the state of Queensland where Griffith University is located, is ready to facilitate the implementation of this MoU in the future," Consul Dimara said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window