Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has opened talks with Slovakia to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, research and advanced technologies, as Jakarta seeks to strengthen energy security and scientific capacity.Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Stella Christie raised the proposal during a meeting with Slovak Ambassador to Indonesia Tomas Ferko in Jakarta on Thursday, according to a statement that ANTARA quoted on Saturday.Christie said President Prabowo Subianto has directed the government to accelerate efforts to diversify energy sources, including nuclear power, to address uneven electricity distribution.“Indonesia has excess supply in Java and Bali, while many regions outside still face shortages. Nuclear energy is one of the most promising options to meet demand beyond those areas,” she said.She emphasized Indonesia’s openness to partnering with Slovakia in nuclear energy development, including through academic exchanges and scholarship programs for Indonesian students.The deputy minister also sought Slovakia’s support in strengthening Indonesia’s human resources in key sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence and food technology.“We are ready to cooperate under a scholarship framework and contribute throughout the process,” she said.Ambassador Ferko welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of aligning cooperation with both countries’ national priorities.He said future collaboration should deliver tangible benefits for economic and social development.During the talks, both sides also explored cooperation in digital transformation in the health sector, including the use of artificial intelligence and strengthening cybersecurity systems.