Clear-cut rulings needed for foreign researchers: Scholar<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Mochtar Pabottingi, a senior researcher at the
\nNational Institute of Sciences (LIPI), underlined here on
\nWednesday the importance of clear-cut regulations for foreign
\nresearchers intending to conduct research activities in the
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
"Clear-cut regulations must determine which fields may be used
\nas the subject of research and which may not," Mochtar told The
\nJakarta Post.<\/p>\n
In practice, he said, officials often hesitated in making a
\ndecision on whether foreign researchers could study a certain
\nissue or not even though it was not included in the list of
\nprohibited fields.<\/p>\n
"Sometimes, a permit is refused only because we are afraid of
\nforeigners," Mochtar said.<\/p>\n
He explained that even though they are no set regulations, the
\nexisting bureaucratic procedures are complicated due to
\ninefficiency. He cited as an example that the approval for any
\nresearch proposal usually passes from desk to desk, through many
\npeople, which is unnecessary.<\/p>\n
Mochtar said his institute was one of the state institutions
\nassigned to consider whether the government should approve
\nproposals submitted by foreign researchers.<\/p>\n
"In short LIPI has no problem with processing proposals
\nsubmitted by foreign researches. But the institution does not
\nmake any conclusive decision as there are others who give their
\nopinion as well," he added.<\/p>\n
State Minister for Research and Technology M. Hatta Rajasa
\nsaid on Monday foreign research applications were assessed by a
\nspecial team, which involved representatives from the Agency for
\nthe Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), LIPI, the
\nNational Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Ministry of Foreign
\nAffairs, the National Police, the Attorney General's Office and
\nthe Ministry for Justice and Human Rights.<\/p>\n
Six German students were detained for questioning last week
\nfor an alleged immigration violation and for conducting research
\nwithout a permit.<\/p>\n
The head of the research division at the Research Institution
\nfor Education, Information, Economic and Social Affairs (LP3ES)
\nMuhammad Husain said that firm regulations were needed to prevent
\nany misuse of research permits by foreigners.<\/p>\n
"All countries have their own regulations for foreign
\nresearchers. If we enter a country on a tourist visa but are
\nworking there, the local authorities will surely detain us," he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
But once the permit is issued, the government must fully
\nsupport the researchers' activities as their results may be
\nuseful to the country.<\/p>\n
Mochtar also stressed the importance of careful screening of
\nproposals, particularly if such research is feared to endanger
\ncertain fields such as the national defense. "The problem is that
\nan ordinary case is frequently given special attention only
\nbecause of concern over foreigners' activities in the country,"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Unlike problems faced by foreigners, Mochtar said, local
\nresearchers had no difficulty at all. "The only problem is money.
\nWe are short of funds to finance research activities," he said.
\n(02)<\/p>",
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