Independent Strategic Review of the Australia–Indonesia Knowledge Partnership Platform (KONEKSI) and Management Response

Summary

The Australia–Indonesia Knowledge Partnership Platform (KONEKSI) is a flagship bilateral initiative, with a funding commitment of up to A$65 million for 2023–2027 and a potential extension of up to A$10 million to 2028. The program supports collaborative research and targeted technical assistance to strengthen policy development, drive innovation, and deepen institutional partnerships between Australia and Indonesia.

To date, KONEKSI has supported 101 collaborative research projects across nearly 30 Indonesian provinces, involving partners from Australian states and territories, demonstrating the scale and reach of this partnership.

KONEKSI works towards two End-of-Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

Strengthened collaboration and mutual understanding through knowledge partnerships
Generation of innovative solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies

These outcomes are supported by three Intermediate Outcomes focused on building robust partnerships, strengthening capacities to produce and share Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)-responsive knowledge, and enhancing the broader enabling environment for research collaboration.
The program is jointly managed by the Governments of Australia and Indonesia and delivered by a managing contractor, Cowater International, through the KONEKSI Secretariat.

The Independent Strategic Review (ISR), commissioned by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), assessed KONEKSI’s performance to date, identified key lessons, and provided forward-looking recommendations to inform future Australian support in higher education, research, science, and innovation. The review was completed in April 2026 following extensive consultations with over 100 stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and industry across both countries.

The ISR finds that KONEKSI is performing strongly, remains well aligned with Australia–Indonesia priorities, and is on track to achieve its intended outcomes. The program is widely valued for its flexible and demand-driven approach—combining competitive grants with technical assistance—which enables responsive engagement with evolving policy priorities. It is also recognised as a leader in promoting inclusive research, including disability inclusion.

The review highlights opportunities to further strengthen alignment with Government of Indonesia priorities, deepen engagement with end-users, and address systemic barriers to maximise impact. It also underscores the importance of enhancing government-to-government collaboration in the program’s remaining period.
The ISR provides a robust evidence base to inform future decision-making and ensure KONEKSI continues to deliver strategic value, supporting shared prosperity and strengthening bilateral cooperation in research, innovation, and knowledge partnerships.

Countries, economies and regions

Stakeholder engagement

Development

Travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Passports

24-hour consular emergency helpline

Visas

Publications

Independent Strategic Review of the Australia–Indonesia Knowledge Partnership Platform (KONEKSI) and Management Response

Summary

Download

Review

Management response