BRIN Strengthens Regional Competitiveness with Strategic Index
JAKARTA — The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to expand its collaborative reach to promote science-based regional self-sufficiency.
Through the launch of the 2025 Regional Competitiveness Index (IDSD) and various technology implementation projects spanning from Kalimantan to Papua, BRIN is striving to ensure innovation serves as the driving force of the economy towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
BRIN Chief Arif Satria officially launched the 2025 Regional Competitiveness Index (IDSD) in Jakarta on Tuesday. The index is designed not merely as a performance instrument, but as a measurement tool for regional governments to carry out targeted policy interventions in the sectors of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital.
Arif emphasised that the current pace of technological advancement outstrips public policy changes, necessitating mature projections through to 2040. “The growth of research and innovation will become Indonesia’s primary strength in becoming one of the world’s four largest economies by 2050. Through the Regional Research and Innovation Agencies (BRIDA), BRIN is ready to strengthen this ecosystem,” he affirmed.
Palm Oil Downstream Processing in South Kalimantan: Organic Fertiliser and Renewable Energy
In South Kalimantan, the Plantation and Livestock Agency (Disbunnak) has partnered with BRIN and international partners from South Korea (NIGT and KITECH) to develop a sustainable industry based on palm oil waste.
The collaboration focuses on the construction of organic fertiliser and renewable energy plants. South Kalimantan Disbunnak Chief Suparmi stated that the initial phase includes the drafting of regulations and a feasibility study for the integration of feed and fertiliser plants. This initiative is supported by Bank Indonesia and aims to scale up smallholder industries into sustainable manufacturing operations in Banjarbaru and surrounding areas.
Clean Water Crisis Solution in Mimika: Reverse Osmosis Technology
Meanwhile, in eastern Indonesia, BRIN is collaborating with the Mimika Regency Government in Central Papua to address the crisis of potable water supply. The Mimika Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) has deployed Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology capable of converting brackish water into clean drinking water.
The project has been successfully inaugurated in the villages of Atuka, Kokonao, Amar, and Uta. This year, construction continues at two sites in Ipaya Village, Amar District. To ensure the sustainability of the facilities, the Mimika Regency Government has also recruited and trained local residents as plant operators. “We want to ensure these facilities provide optimal services to the community without being hampered by operational technical issues,” said Bonifasius Saleo, Head of the Human Settlements Division at Mimika PUPR.