Business circle told to support research
Business circle told to support research
JAKARTA (JP): The National Research Council is appealing to
the business community and private organizations to make
financial as manpower contributions to support research programs.
"The time has come for the private sector to make their
contribution for scientific and technological research for the
purpose of increasing development," Council executive director
Samaun Samadikun said in a press conference on Monday to discuss
its programs as it marks its 10th anniversary later this year.
Samaun said the private sector is expected to finance at least
half of the Rp 50 billion ($24 million) earmarked by the
government for research programs in the 1994/95 fiscal year.
He pointed out that the business community is one of the main
beneficiaries of the fruits of the research programs.
The council also expects the business community to send
representatives to sit on the board.
"We are looking for about 150 new members to replace those who
will conclude their ten-year tenures in November," Samaun said.
"One third of the members are expected to come from non-
government organizations."
The council, which is chaired by State Minister of Research
and Technology B.J. Habibie, was installed by President Soeharto
in 1984 to coordinate the nation's research programs.
Samaun, who is chairman of the National Institute of Sciences
(LIPI), said the council, in connection with its 10th
anniversary, is holding four symposiums in the coming four months
and conducting joint studies with state universities outside
Java.
The first seminar, scheduled for July 29, will discuss the
role of senior citizens in national development. The second
seminar on Aug. 8 will discuss the role of industry in the
national development. The third seminar on Sept. 17 will discuss
ways of alleviating poverty and the last on Oct. 15 will discuss
the future of tropical forests in Indonesia and eco-labeling.
He council is also inviting three Nobel laureates to speak at
several scientific meetings on Nov. 24-31. They are Prof. Sune
Bergstrom of Sweden, a laureate in medicine, Dr. Esaki of Japan,
a laureate in physics, and Prof. Daniel C. Gajdusek of the United
States, who is also an expert in medicine. (rms)