RI prepares for the next century through technology: Habibie<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology B.J.
\nHabibie said yesterday that by the 21st century Indonesia will
\nhave four science and technology research centers.<\/p>\n
\"Establishing the four research centers is a real need for our
\ncountry as we prepare for the next century,\" Habibie said at a
\nhearing with the House of Representatives' Commission X, which
\noversees science, technology and environmental affairs. He did
\nnot say how much the project would cost.<\/p>\n
The Serpong research center in West Java has been conducting
\ncross-disciplinary studies in bio-technology, thermodynamics,
\nnuclear science, and electronics as well as forestry, medical and
\nveterinary studies.<\/p>\n
Future centers are proposed to conduct and compile studies on
\naerospace and maritime. Proposed sites include an space center in
\nParepare, South Sulawesi and maritime studies centers on Seram
\nand Ambon islands, Maluku.<\/p>\n
For the aerospace center, Habibie has his heart set on a site
\nnear Bandung, presently a water catchment area about 1,500 meter
\nabove sea level, for practical reasons -- its proximity to the PT
\nIPTN aircraft manufacturer.<\/p>\n
\"We are still negotiating permission from the Department of
\nForestry for 10 percent of their property, though we really don't
\nhave an alternative,\" Habibie told reporters during a break.<\/p>\n
Last year, Habibie admitted that five of the 10 state-owned
\nenterprises supervised by the Management Board for Strategic
\nIndustries (BPIS) suffered financial losses.<\/p>\n
\"Most state-owned enterprises, especially those involving high
\ntechnology, go through the process of not being profitable
\neconomically. For now we should focus only on the knowledge and
\ntechnology that we have a chance to learn,\" Habibie said.<\/p>\n
Habibie also updated legislation on the development of the
\nBatam, Rempang and Galang islands known by its acronym Barelang.<\/p>\n
Scheduled to start operations in November, Habibie said that
\nthe facilities at Hang Nadim airport on Batam Island are
\ncomparable to Changi airport in Singapore.<\/p>\n
The airport has a four-kilometer runway while Soekarno-Hatta
\nonly has 3.6 kilometers.<\/p>\n
\"Economically, Hang Nadim airport offer a better deal than
\nChangi: the landing fee is at least 48 percent lower, while fuel
\nis 7 to 15 percent cheaper,\" Habibie said.<\/p>\n
Six bridges are being built to link the Barelang islands,
\nscheduled for completion next year.<\/p>\n
The bridges will create a land link between Batam, Tonton,
\nNipah, Setoko, Rempang, Galang and Galang Baru. (icn\/14)<\/p>",
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