The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the world’s largest island nation, Brian Yuliarto, paid a working visit to Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University. In January of this year, Indonesia joined BRICS and has shown strong interest in joint projects with Russia.
Rector Vladimir Litvinenko introduced the guest to the university’s new model of engineering education, which is being developed and implemented as part of a presidential pilot project, and spoke about the university’s scientific research. In particular, he noted that Indonesia, given the specific characteristics of its subsoil, could greatly benefit from participating in the activities of the National Research Center for Deep Metageology, which is currently being established at the Mining University.
Indonesia reached its historical peak in oil production—1,720 thousand barrels per day—in 1977. Since then, output has been declining. As of early this year, the country was producing less than 600 thousand barrels per day. One of the reasons for this decline is the depletion of existing fields. Deep drilling technologies have the potential to unlock significant new opportunities for the extraction of oil, gas, and other mineral resources.
«A conventional well yields 12–15 tonnes of oil per day, while a deep well can produce up to 900 tonnes. However, to successfully advance modern technologies and build a sovereign economy that benefits society, education must be improved. We need to train not underprepared graduates—bachelors and masters—but true engineers with deep professional understanding, relevant experience, and the ability to make sound decisions in unconventional situations» – stated Vladimir Litvinenko.
The guest expressed his gratitude to Professor Litvinenko for the proposals for cooperation and showed a keen interest in studying the engineering education system of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, as well as the university’s extensive expertise in the field of efficient subsoil use. He invited representatives of the university to hold a series of seminars in Indonesia for the rectors of specialized universities on the topic of enhancing engineering education.
«We fully understand the great potential Indonesia has in the field of mineral extraction and processing, and we are interested in utilizing these valuable natural resources effectively. In this regard, educational cooperation and participation in joint scientific research are of great relevance. Additionally, we are interested in Russia’s experience in developing taxation and regulatory systems for the mineral resource sector. I hope that joint efforts will help identify ways to increase related revenue streams in Indonesia’s national budget» – said the Minister.
It is worth noting that Indonesia ranks among the world’s top producers of nickel, tin, and cobalt. In terms of oil, the country is a net importer. At the Indonesia–Russia Business Forum held in April this year in Jakarta, the Indonesian side expressed strong interest in strengthening business and trade ties with Russia. It was noted in particular that this partnership aligns with the country’s policy of industrialization, with an emphasis on raw material processing.
During his visit to Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Brian Yuliarto toured the scientific laboratories and met with his compatriots currently studying at the university.
