BRIN Seeks Equalisation for Diaspora to Become Principal Researchers Domestically

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is promoting efforts to equalise opportunities for Indonesian diaspora academics abroad so they can reach the level of principal researcher domestically.

“What we are currently considering is how to equalise opportunities for Indonesian diaspora abroad to reach the principal researcher stage. If we can do this, many diaspora will return to Indonesia and strengthen our research,” said BRIN Head Arif Satria in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He emphasised the importance of Indonesian diaspora abroad as connectors for collaboration with various global research institutions. However, for diaspora who wish to return, BRIN is preparing various instruments to support this.

“This will help accelerate the brain gain process; we will obtain tremendous talents from various countries to empower their potential,” he said.

He also highlighted research funding support through the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), which is seen as one of the key pillars in strengthening the national research ecosystem.

With these various efforts, BRIN is expected to attract outstanding talents, both from within and outside the country, to strengthen national research capacity.

Meanwhile, LPDP Research Facilitation Director Ayom Widipaminto explained that as an endowment fund manager, LPDP currently manages four education endowment funds, namely the education endowment for scholarships, research endowment, culture endowment, and higher education endowment.

According to him, sustainability is key to strengthening the research ecosystem, along with the continuous availability of research endowment funds to finance various talent development and research programmes.

“From high school, undergraduate, postgraduate, to research heading towards global levels, we will prepare the funding, both for appreciation and for the research,” said Ayom Widipaminto.