Between Two Oceans. Highlights from the Science Festival on the Indonesian island of Java

From 22 to 24 September 2026, Serpong hosted Indonesia’s first Science Festival, organised by ANO Energy of the Future with the support of Rosatom State Corporation and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The Festival was part of IRIFair Science Week.

The event attracted more than 1,200 university and school students, introducing them to the latest advances in nuclear science. Participants had a unique opportunity to visit BRIN’s laboratory facilities and see first-hand how nuclear technologies are used in medicine. Over the three days, participants met Russian and Indonesian scientists, took part in the Atomic Challenge, science shows and The Da Vinci Nuclear Art creative competition. Speakers at the Festival included graduates of Russian universities, participants in the Obninsk Tech programme, winners of HackAtom in Indonesia, and participants in the 2025 and 2026 Icebreaker of Knowledge project.

A particular highlight for participants was the opportunity to meet and speak in person with Russian cosmonaut Nikolai Tikhonov. Dedicated sessions explored career opportunities for young people in Indonesia, as well as study and internship programmes in Russia.