Jakarta's Shocking Move: How Tehran Could Turn the Sci-Tech Game Upside Down—Are We Ready?

TEHRAN – In a move signaling a commitment to scientific advancement, the Indonesian ambassador to Tehran, Rolliansyah Soemirat, announced that the new Indonesian administration is eager to foster stronger ties in the fields of science and technology with Iran. This initiative aims to expand international collaborations and create new opportunities for both nations. According to IRNA, Soemirat emphasized that the focus will be on the exchange of technology and innovations as well as enhancing technological cooperation.

Soemirat made these remarks during a meeting with Hossein Roozbeh, the head of the Organization for the Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, on Wednesday. His visit to an exhibition at the Iran House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT) provided him with insights into Iran’s extensive capabilities in science and technology. The exhibition, he noted, showcased only a fraction of Iran’s scientific achievements, highlighting the country's significant role in the global ecosystem of innovation.

With Iran’s population exceeding 90 million and Indonesia's at around 280 million, both countries represent substantial markets for technological products and services. Soemirat pointed out that this demographic factor is vital for enhancing bilateral relations. He praised the inauguration of an iHiT branch in Jakarta, suggesting that it could serve as a foundation for future collaborative partnerships in technological fields.

The ambassador outlined several priorities for Indonesia’s cooperation with Iran, including empowering human resources, enhancing the educational system, ensuring food security for future generations, and improving energy security. Notably, he highlighted the importance of advanced medical technologies, especially in Indonesia, where remote surgeries are becoming increasingly common. With its 17,000 islands, Indonesia faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery, making telemedicine a crucial area for scientific collaboration.

Soemirat proposed the establishment of an Iranian business and technology hub in Jakarta, which would facilitate the exchange of technological calendars, the organization of joint workshops and exhibitions, both in-person and online, and the creation of a sustainable communication platform to maintain ongoing interactions between technological companies and institutions in both countries.

Strengthening Scientific Relations

In October, Soemirat underscored the importance of elevating scientific, technological, and educational collaborations between Indonesia and Iran. He stressed that relations between Tehran and Jakarta need to transition from primarily political engagements to substantive technological cooperation. This sentiment was reiterated during a ceremony at the University of Tehran commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“To reduce scientific dependence on developed countries, it is essential to establish a joint network in key areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and marine sciences between Iran and Indonesia,” Soemirat stated. This vision leverages both countries’ memberships in institutions like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement, and BRICS, emphasizing their potential to work together on broader issues affecting the Islamic world and beyond.

Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted the need for collaboration in maritime governance, energy security, climate change, and the blue economy, suggesting that the sea could serve as a unifying factor, paving the way for sustainable development in the region. He also expressed Indonesia’s opposition to unilateral sanctions, advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue and underscoring the right of all countries to peaceful nuclear energy use.

This new chapter in bilateral relations between Indonesia and Iran not only seeks to strengthen scientific ties but also addresses critical issues in health, education, and technology. As both nations navigate their futures, their collaborative efforts could yield significant benefits, not only for their populations but also for the broader global landscape.