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)