JCU participation at BRIN

Professor Hurriyet Babacan recently returned from Jakarta, Indonesia after completing a prestigious Short-Term Visiting Research Fellowship with the The National Research and Innovation Agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional - BRIN) from 11 March-12 April 2025, with ongoing research for the year. Hurriyet worked closely with Indonesian researchers on critical topics aligned with global sustainability priorities.

This fellowship builds on a long-standing collaboration between Professor Babacan and Indonesian institutions, strengthening academic ties between The Cairns Institute (TCI) and Southeast Asia (SEA). During her time at BRIN, she focused on the intersecting themes of decarbonisation, circular economy, resilience, disaster risk reduction and economic transitions— topics central to her current research at James Cook University (JCU).

Professor Babacan’s role involved both applied research and research mentorship, offering guidance to early-career Indonesian scholars engaged in sustainability and economic reform studies. The research project's focus areas involved circular economy in the textile industry and other projects energy transition. Working with a team of 11 researchers, the research had commenced literature review, context review and research design. The project will continue to data collection by BRIN with Hurriyet having oversight.

A major colloquium was organised on circular economy and with keynote presentations from Prof Hurriyet Babacan and Prof Adrian Kuah from JCU Singapore.

Issued April 2025

“This fellowship was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and strategies on managing economic and environmental transitions across our region,” said Professor Babacan. “The collaboration with BRIN allowed for deep engagement on circular systems, decarbonisation pathways, and inclusive innovation—areas that are not only academically important but practically urgent.”

This international engagement not only reinforces JCU’s regional research impact but also showcases the university’s commitment to fostering high-level academic diplomacy and applied sustainability leadership in the Indo-Pacific.

Hurriyet also had the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of government agencies, non-governmental organisations and universities. She met with one of the most senior Ministers of the Indonesian Government, Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia. She met with Queensland Government Trade Commissioner for Indonesia and the Chairperson of the Australia-Indonesia Business Council as well as key staff in a number of embassies, including Australia. Prof Babacan and Prof Kuah were able to have other key encounters including a meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community, Mr Satvinder Singh and Indonesian government agencies. 

The engagement with Indonesia and other parts of ASEAN is continuing and Prof Babacan is excited for emerging research collaborations focused on shared challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.

APRIL 2025