ACIAR Commission's visit to Indonesia

The Commission for International Agricultural Research visited Indonesia 17-21 June, to witness firsthand ACIAR-related activities in one of our most important partner countries. The visit also coincided with the 30th anniversary of Indonesia–ACIAR partnerships. They visited Jakarta, East Java and Bali.

Strengthening agriculture (including the crop, livestock, forestry, marine fisheries and aquaculture sectors) is critical for poverty reduction and equitable development across Indonesia. 30 years of ACIAR support has resulted in substantial benefits flowing to Indonesian farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole, through the development of technologies and innovations.

ACIAR's research in Indonesia includes work to improve cattle productivity

ACIAR has worked with Indonesia to define research priorities, and implement programs and projects. The research strategy is focusing on enhancing livelihoods of smallholder farmers, fishers and foresters through strengthening livestock production, horticulture, aquaculture and fisheries, forestry products and services, profitable agribusiness systems, and marketing and trade policies.

The Commissioners met with Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Mr Greg Moriarty, and with key staff from AusAID and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to hear their perspectives on Australia’s whole-of-Government approach to activities in-country. They also met with representatives from Indonesia’s agencies for research and development in agriculture; marine and fisheries; and forestry (IAARD, AMAFRAD and FORDA respectively). A dinner function was held to celebrate 30 years of collaboration.

Fish for sale at an Indonesian market

Two Indonesian research institutes were visited: the Sugar Research Institute in Pasuruan, East Java, and the Gondol Research Institute for Mariculture in Bali. A visit was also paid to the headquarters of the International Centre for Forestry Research (CIFOR), and the regional office of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).

The Commissioners visited three ACIAR projects, involving sugarcane disease management in Pasuruan, East Java; calf and cattle production in Probolinggo, East Java; and marine finfish aquaculture in Bali. Highlights of these field visits included a lunch with Javanese farmers, and seeing a community-based facility for growing out milk fish and grouper.

The trip provided the Commissioners with an opportunity to glimpse the rapid transformations underway in Indonesia, and to examine ACIAR’s evolving relationship with partners in country.

By Alexandra Bagnara, ACIAR Communications

More information
ACIAR projects in Indonesia
Commission for International Agricultural Research