Cablegate: Embassy Science Fellows Program

VZCZCXYZ0007
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJA #2069/01 3150225
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 100225Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY JAKARTA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0584

UNCLAS JAKARTA 002069

SIPDIS
UNCLASSIFIED

DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, EAP/EX, IIP/STC, OES/STC, ATTENTION EILEEN KANE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TSPL ID
SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM

1. (U) Summary. Science and Technology (S&T) has emerged as a
prominent and positive area of engagement with the government and
people of Indonesia. To support this engagement, Embassy Jakarta
requests assistance identifying candidates for an Embassy Science
Fellows Program (ESFP) position from January 2009.

2. (U) A highly qualified candidate under the ESFP will, among other
benefits: 1) enhance direct bilateral engagement with Indonesian
government entities on science and technology; 2) support the
reinstitution and robust implementation of a Science and Technology
Framework Agreement; and 3) demonstrate U.S. commitment to
scientific collaboration with Indonesia. The Embassy is prepared to
provide office space, appropriate housing, and local travel costs.
End Summary.

3. (U) Background. Scientific and technological cooperation has
emerged as a prominent and positive area of engagement with the
government and people of Indonesia. Recognizing the benefit to the
overall U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship, Post has identified
S&T as a long-term priority. Post has initiated a number of
short-term scientific diplomacy efforts and is working to build upon
this progress by developing a more comprehensive engagement
strategy, starting with the proposed re-institution of the
U.S.-Indonesia Science and Technology Framework Agreement. To help
implement our science and technology engagement strategy, Post seeks
assistance identifying an individual with a science background for a
short term posting (not to exceed 90 days) from January 2009. A
Science Fellow will provide valuable expertise in shaping our
engagement strategy and identifying opportunities to advance
scientific collaboration with Indonesia.

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PROPOSED ACTIVITIES UNDER THE PROGRAM
-------------------------------------

4. (U) The science advisor will work directly with the Indonesian
Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the Indonesian Academy of Sciences
(AIPI) as well as reach out to other relevant government ministries
to evaluate current research capabilities and assess the priorities
of Indonesian scientific institutions. This work will support
long-term planning for U.S.-Indonesian engagement on science and
technology. Additionally, the advisor will track progress on the
U.S.-Indonesia S&T Framework Agreement and seek to identify
opportunities for its application with Indonesian counterparts. As
time allows, the advisor may also assist on the the World Oceans
Conference, the proposed Okeanos Explorer visit, and other ESTH
activities relevant to the Fellow's background. Candidates are
invited from all scientific disciplines. A background in marine
research, health, or forestry would be helpful since the government
of Indonesia has expressed particular interest in collaboration in
these areas. Candidates should be familiar with general U.S.
science and technology policy and priorities.

---------------------------------
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION IN ESFP
---------------------------------

5. Post sees several potential benefits to recruiting a candidate
under the ESFP.

-- Strengthening U.S.-Indonesian relations: Cooperation between
U.S. and Indonesian scientific and technical agencies has gained
momentum. Recruiting a Science Fellow to work directly with AIPI
and LIPI will be well received by our Indonesian counterparts and
will support OES' emphasis on creating genuine partnerships with
scientists in the Muslim world.

-- Sustaining long-term S&T cooperation: A Science Fellow will play
an instrumental role in shaping U.S.-Indonesian scientific
cooperation by working to re-institute the S&T Framework Agreement,
reaching out to the Indonesian and U.S. scientific communities to
spur interest in collaborative research activities, and facilitating
partnerships between U.S. and Indonesian institutions.

-- Continuing a precedent: Further participation in this program
builds upon the success of the previous Science Fellows (from NOAA
during summer 2008) and demonstrates a sustained interest in
engagement with the Indonesian scientific community.

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LOGISTICS
---------

6. (U) Embassy Jakarta is prepared to provide logistical support for
a Science Fellow under the ESFP guidelines. Post will provide
office space on the embassy compound with appropriate computer,
email and internet access. We will provide appropriate housing in
one of our several TDY apartments. The Fellow would also have
access to the Embassy Health Unit (pending appropriate medical
clearances), FPO and CLO. Embassy Jakarta's preferred timeline is a
January 2009 arrival and April 2009 departure due to housing
constraints. A secret clearance is desirable, but not required.

7. Post POC for this request is Randall Beisecker, ESTH Officer,
BeiseckerR@state.gov, tel+622134359227, and fax+622134359977.

HUME

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