Government pledges support for research delivering direct public impact

Jakarta (ANTARA) - State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to increasing the research budget, particularly for studies that can provide a direct impact on several issues in Indonesia, such as waste and energy.

Answering journalists’ questions at the closing of the National Seminar of the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) in Jakarta on Sunday, the State Secretary stated that President Prabode has provided instructions to increase the research budget by approximately Rp4 trillion.

The research roadmap will be implemented through coordination between the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

“Therefore, the research roadmap, as discussed, is already being produced in book form; the core principle is that all the research we are currently conducting must be within one grand design,” said the State Secretary.

He mentioned that the primary blueprint for Indonesia’s research direction is expected to provide a direct impact on the community, including resolving several issues emerging at the grassroots level, such as waste and energy.

“For example, research on waste, waste-to-energy, and the transition from LPG to CNG. Research that directly impacts the resolution of the problems we face,” Prasetyo added.

On that occasion, the State Secretary also conveyed that during a meeting with rectors and academics at the National Seminar, President Prabowo invited all universities and the experts within them to work together to advance the nation.

Previously, on Sunday, President Prabowo Subianto closed the KSTI National Seminar and emphasised that national progress requires the involvement of all elements of society, especially in facing global changes influenced by developments in science and technology.

“All the potential of the entire nation must unite; we must bring forth all thoughts and all initiatives for our common good, for our survival, and for the continuity of the Indonesian nation,” said President Prabowo.

The President also encouraged Indonesian universities to take a strategic role as centres for the development of science, innovation, and solutions in facing a changing world driven by advancements in science and technology.