Government pledges support for research delivering direct public impact

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to increasing the research budget, especially for studies that can have a direct impact on various issues in Indonesia, such as waste and energy. Answering journalists’ questions at the closing of the National Symposium of the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention in Jakarta on Sunday, Minister Prasetyo stated that President Prabowo had given instructions to increase the research budget by approximately Rp4 trillion. The research roadmap is being coordinated between the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). “So the research roadmap, as mentioned earlier, the book has already been produced, the essence of which is that all the research we are currently conducting must be under one grand design,” said the State Secretary Minister. He stated that the main design for Indonesia’s research direction is expected to provide a direct impact on society, including solving various issues emerging at the grassroots level, such as waste and energy. “For example, research on waste, waste-to-energy, then the transition from LPG to CNG. Research that directly impacts solving the problems we face,” Prasetyo added. On the occasion, the State Secretary Minister also conveyed that during a meeting with rectors and academics at the National Symposium, President Prabowo called on all universities and their experts to work together to advance the nation. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto closed the National Symposium on Sunday and emphasised that the nation’s 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, must contribute all thoughts, all initiatives for our common good, for our survival, for the continuity of the Indonesian nation,” said President Prabowo. The President also encouraged Indonesian universities to take a strategic role as centres for scientific development, innovation, and solutions in facing global changes driven by advances in science and technology.