Singapore – In a significant move towards strengthening Indonesia’s presence on the global knowledge stage, representatives from Nobelium Asia, a leading organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and literacy in Indonesia, held a productive meeting with Mr. Satria Wibawa, the Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore on October 19, 2024.  Nobelium Asia, with its focus on professional certification for writers and publishers, advocacy for progressive higher education book policies, and a drive to increase the globalization of Indonesian publications, is committed to raising Indonesia’s literacy levels, currently ranked as “medium” nationally and “low” internationally.  The organization envisions Indonesia as a future ASEAN Book Center, a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange within the region.

The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore plays a vital role in representing the Indonesian government and providing essential consular services to Indonesian citizens residing in Singapore.  Beyond these core functions, the Embassy actively fosters bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in the areas of education and culture. This commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation provided fertile ground for a potentially impactful partnership with Nobelium Asia.   

During the meeting, Nobelium Asia representatives outlined their comprehensive approach to empowering Indonesian talent and fostering a knowledge-based economy. This includes pioneering initiatives such as:

Professional Certification: Since 2017, Nobelium has been a driving force in establishing literacy certification programs, implemented in 2019, to enhance the skills of both writers and publishers, ensuring high-quality output that meets international standards.

Higher Education Book Policy Innovation: Nobelium advocates for the modernization of book policies within higher education, emphasizing the importance of professional certification and accreditation for university publishers to elevate the quality and impact of academic publications.

Publication Globalization: Recognizing the significance of internationally recognized scholarly publications, especially books, as indicators of Indonesia’s progress in literacy and research, Nobelium actively promotes the internationalization of Indonesian university publications through continuous development and engagement with global academic communities.

Furthermore, Nobelium Asia detailed its multifaceted approach to cultural diplomacy, leveraging the power of books to showcase Indonesian culture and intellect to a global audience.  Key strategies include:

• Collaboration between Indonesian Diaspora and Domestic Institutions: By fostering international scientific publication collaborations and facilitating partnerships with international institutions, Nobelium aims to enhance higher education capacity and promote knowledge exchange.
• Internationalization of the Indonesian Language: Nobelium is committed to strengthening the role of the Indonesian language, an official UNESCO language, through the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program, increasing its global reach and influence.
• ASEAN Book Center: Nobelium’s ambition to establish Indonesia as the leading book center in ASEAN involves strengthening the national book ecosystem to achieve international impact and recognition.

Mr. Satria Wibawa expressed strong support for Nobelium Asia’s initiatives and offered the resources of the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore to facilitate their goals.  He highlighted the potential for utilizing the embassy’s facilities, which can accommodate up to 8,000 participants, for non-commercial events that align with the embassy’s mission of promoting Indonesian education and culture.

This meeting signifies a promising step towards a collaborative partnership between Nobelium Asia and the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore. Both organizations share a deep commitment to advancing Indonesian knowledge, nurturing talent, and promoting Indonesian culture on a global platform. This collaboration holds the potential to create invaluable opportunities for Indonesian academics, writers, and publishers, contributing significantly to the nation’s intellectual and cultural development.