On March 18, 2013, the United States Embassy and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC) announced a $6 million expansion of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) University Partnership Program, which funds joint research conducted by Indonesian and American universities.

"The United States is pleased to support exciting research and collaboration between Indonesian and American institutions of higher education," said U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel. "We hope that the program will help enhance the quality of instruction at universities, promote science and technology development, and inspire generations of scientists to contribute to their communities through their important work."

Since 2009, USAID has awarded a total of 16 grants under the University Partnership Program totaling $14.1 million. Partnerships include 19 institutions in Indonesia from 11 provinces and 12 U.S. institutions from 9 states. On-going partnerships undertake research across a broad spectrum of fields, from child protection and public health, to climate change, marine biology, geothermal technology, and new uses for indigenous plant species. The University Partnership Program is just one example of the many U.S. activities that promote collaboration between the United States and Indonesia under the U.S.-Indonesian Comprehensive Partnership.

The five new research grants announced March 18 include:

U.S.-Indonesia Influenza Collaborative Study

The University of Colorado and University of Padjadjaran will establish a system to monitor influenza virus infections in humans and poultry in West Java and delineate the role of human-poultry interactions in the transmission of influenza viruses.

Promoting Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity through Research and Education Partnerships

Rutgers University and Universitas Nasional Jakarta will train future generations of biologists on the sustainable management of peat-swamp forests and biodiversity in Central Kalimantan. In partnership with Universitas Nasional Jakarta (UNAS), the project will establish opportunities for UNAS and Rutgers graduate students to conduct dissertation and post-doctoral research focusing on the conservation of biodiversity.

School Action for Innovations in Science (SAInS)

Colombia University and the Institute Pertanian Bogor (IPB) will improve the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Indonesian high schools. In partnership with IPB, two model STEM high schools will be developed to build capacity of science and math teachers through training workshops in curriculum development and effective use of information and communication technology. There will also be a study tour to New York STEM high schools for IPB faculty.

Kalimantan Wetlands and Climate Change Study (KWACS)

Oregon State University, University of Tanjungpura, University of Mulawarman, and Indiana University will enhance the technical and professional capacity of Indonesian graduate students to help reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in Indonesia. The scientific information and educational materials to be developed by the project can be utilized throughout the Indonesian archipelago and Southeast Asia.

SMART LAB

Sampoerna School of Education  (SSE) will establish four model Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) senior high schools in partnership with New York Hall of Science and Tufts University.  The project will improve the quality of STEM education service and how higher education can engage with the schools to support their growth.