Mataram, University of Mataram — In an effort to strengthen research governance and safeguard Indonesia’s strategic national assets, the University of Mataram (Unram), in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), held a seminar titled “Outreach on Foreign Research Permits and the Oversight of Research Activities Conducted by Foreign Parties in the Regions” on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Unram Senate Chamber.

The event was attended by the University’s Vice Rectors, the Director of Research Permit Governance at BRIN, the Head of the Class I Immigration Office with Immigration Checkpoint (TPI) Mataram, the Chair of the University Senate, deans, university leaders, researchers, academics, and representatives from relevant government agencies.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Akmaluddin, S.T., M.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D., Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs of Unram, emphasized the importance of embracing international collaboration in the era of globalization. He noted that nearly all universities today pursue internationalization strategies that encourage collaboration with foreign researchers and international students.

“International research collaboration is essential for enhancing global reputation and facilitating technology transfer. However, compliance with national regulations and the protection of Indonesia’s knowledge assets must remain our highest priorities and cannot be compromised,” he stated.

Prof. Akmaluddin also highlighted the importance of strict adherence to Indonesian regulations. Drawing on past experiences, he pointed to potential misuse of research collaboration permits by irresponsible foreign parties, as well as administrative challenges such as Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) for the shipment of research samples. He stressed that rigorous oversight and the protection of Indonesia’s biodiversity and national knowledge assets must go hand in hand with the spirit of international collaboration.

Meanwhile, Mila Kencana, M.A., Director at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), expressed her appreciation for Unram’s role as a strategic partner and a key facilitator of international research activities in West Nusa Tenggara.

In her presentation, Mila Kencana revealed that between 2021 and 2024, BRIN approved approximately 307 Research Permits (Surat Izin Penelitian/SIP) for projects conducted in West Nusa Tenggara. Of these, 37 projects involved Unram, engaging dozens of foreign researchers from various countries, with Germany contributing the largest number of researchers. The primary research areas included marine resources, ecotourism, and microbiology.

“The cornerstone of international collaboration is equal partnership. Research must generate tangible benefits for Indonesia while ensuring transparency in technology transfer, clear intellectual property arrangements, and the protection of primary research data,” she said.

She also outlined several challenges in monitoring research activities in the field, including indications of illegal research disguised as commercial or corporate activities, as well as the unauthorized use of technologies such as drones for collecting marine environmental data.

Through this outreach program, researchers and academics across the region are expected to play a leading role in upholding research governance in accordance with applicable legal and ethical standards. The initiative also aims to ensure that foreign research activities in West Nusa Tenggara are conducted transparently, securely, and in ways that contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and research in Indonesia.