Deputy Minister: RI-China mRNA Dengue Vaccine Proof of Commitment to Advancing Research

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Research and Technology Stella Christie said the collaboration between the University of Indonesia and Tsinghua University in developing an mRNA-based dengue vaccine is proof of the government’s commitment to advancing the nation through science and technology.

Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday, Stella said that under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, her ministry became a standalone ministry focused on science and technology, responding to a global trend in which strong nations drive research and development through universities. In addition, research funding in 2025 was doubled.

“We have many hopes, and we support President Prabowo’s decision to create the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Technology, so that the science and technology landscape in Indonesia truly changes. Efforts like this are what show results in a short time, one and a half years,” she said.

Some time ago, she said, the president attended two Indonesian conferences themed on science and technology, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the nation through science and technology.

“Now that I am in the position of Deputy Minister myself, I appreciate Minister Budi for his attention to data and science. So what we are seeing today is truly an achievement,” she said.

Stella explained that Tsinghua University is very selective in choosing partners to collaborate with. So when Tsinghua University, the best university in Asia, agreed to work with UI, the best university in Indonesia, that became something significant.

The vaccine collaboration, she said, began in 2023. Although she is a cognitive scientist and not a vaccine scientist, she sought to bridge the needs of both sides: Tsinghua University, where she teaches, and Indonesia, her country.

She also appreciated Etana, which has supported the collaboration since it was first initiated. As Deputy Minister, she emphasised the importance of industry presence in driving research towards finished products.

At Tsinghua University, she said, around 40-60 per cent of research funding comes from industry. She therefore urged that Indonesia achieve something similar through systematic collaboration with industry.

“This is the President’s commitment, and there will be many, many more things like this to come,” she said.