Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) played a prominent role at the 14th Indonesia–France Joint Working Group (JWG) on Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, held in Angers, France, from 1–3 July 2026. The forum brought together around 350 participants from 38 Indonesian public universities and 58 French universities to strengthen bilateral academic collaboration and address global challenges through science diplomacy. Representing the Indonesian Association of State Universities Rector (MRPTN), Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa led the Indonesian delegation and served as a keynote speaker in the maritime workshop, highlighting sustainable marine resource management, maritime security, and the development of the blue economy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Drawing on UNHAS’ strategic location within the Coral Triangle, the world’s richest marine biodiversity hotspot, Prof. Jompa emphasized the growing importance of international scientific collaboration in tackling complex global issues such as climate change, energy transition, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable ocean governance. He stressed that these challenges require strong partnerships among universities, governments, industries, and research institutions. During the event, the UNHAS delegation, which also included Prof. Dr. Amir Ilyas, SH, MH, Dr. Ansariadi, and Dr. Sawedi Muhammad, actively engaged in thematic discussions and expanded institutional partnerships.
One of the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNHAS and IMT Atlantique, opening opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, and collaborative technology development. Throughout the forum, participants emphasized the triple helix approach, fostering collaboration among academia, government, and industry to accelerate innovation and research commercialization. Prof. Jompa also advocated for expanding double-degree programs, joint doctoral supervision, student and researcher mobility, as well as the establishment of shared laboratories and innovation centers.
The forum concluded with a significant achievement for UNHAS and Indonesia. The 15th Indonesia–France Joint Working Group in 2028 will be hosted in Makassar, with UNHAS serving as the official host institution. This appointment reflects international recognition of UNHAS’s growing leadership in global academic collaboration and underscores Eastern Indonesia’s strategic role in advancing research on marine science, tropical biodiversity, health, agriculture, and sustainable development. Hosting the 2028 JWG will further strengthen Makassar’s position as an emerging hub for international science diplomacy and higher education cooperation.
