1st Steering Committee Meeting
The 1st KOICA–ICAB Steering Committee Meeting was held to review project implementation progress in 2023 and 2024, discuss the revised project scope following the signing of the Minutes of Meeting (MoM), and deliberate on the 2025 implementation plan.
The project, launched on November 4, 2022, through an agreement between KOICA and Seoul National University, aims to strengthen research capacity in agriculture and life sciences through the renovation of the Advanced Research Laboratory (ARLab) at IPB University and the provision of research equipment. Following IPB University’s selection to receive approximately USD 12 million in research equipment funding under the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s Inter-University Center for Excellence program in the field of Food Security, the project scope was revised to include the construction of a new research laboratory building. Accordingly, a MoM covering the construction of the facility with a budget of USD 3 million was signed by KOICA Indonesia Office, IPB University, and the Ministry on May 22, 2024.
The meeting was attended by key representatives from IPB University, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and KOICA Indonesia Office, including Vice Rector Prof. Alim Setiawan Slamet, representing IPB University, and Country Director Ms. Kim Hyo-jin of KOICA Indonesia Office. IPB University President Prof. Arif Satria also attended the meeting and expressed his appreciation for KOICA’s continued support.
During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of the Korea–Indonesia partnership in advancing agricultural research and food security, particularly in line with the Indonesian government’s priorities on food security and free school meal programs. The Ministry also expressed its commitment to supporting administrative procedures, including visa arrangements for project personnel, and actively participating in future training programs in Korea.
In addition, IPB University Rector Prof. Arif Satria proposed expanding the Steering Committee’s membership to include representatives from other public universities, particularly those participating in the leadership training program hosted by Seoul National University in April 2024. Overall, the meeting provided an important opportunity for key stakeholders to review the project’s progress, gain a shared understanding of the revised project scope, and explore synergies with IPB University’s Food Security program. These discussions laid the groundwork for stronger institutional collaboration and more effective project implementation.
