Hikam backs 'people oriented' technology
JAKARTA (JP): New State Minister of Research and Technology Muhammad Atho'illah Shohibul Hikam promised on Monday to encourage the development of "people-oriented" technology, which would not, however, necessarily exclude sophisticated technology.
The main objective in developing technology was to increase the welfare of the people, Hikam said on his first day in office.
"That doesn't mean low-end technology only, but appropriate technology, including high-end, as long as it benefits the people," he said shortly after the handover ceremony from his predecessor Zuhal.
The appointment of Hikam, a close aide of President Abdurrahman Wahid, sparked controversy. Critics said he did not possess the technological background necessary for the job.
Hikam, who holds a doctorate decree in philosophy in political science from the University of Hawaii, was formerly a social science researcher with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).
He moved into a post which was once occupied by former president B.J. Habibie, who used the office to launch various high profile projects, including aircraft engineering, as part of what he described as Indonesia's leap in technology.
Hikam declined to answer when asked whether he would continue research work at PT IPTN, the state aircraft manufacturer, but said that in principle he would continue any project which was valuable.
He also said he disapproved of high-end technology projects which were solely intended to boost national pride. "Otherwise we would be developing sophisticated weapons that have no meaning for the people," he said.
Hikam said he would pay more attention to agricultural-based technology, citing as an example research on cultivating soybean in order to cut Indonesia's reliance on imports.
He also underlined the importance of maritime technologies to allow the country to tap the wealth of its seas.
Deploring technology that exploited natural resources without guarding their sustainability, he said Indonesia must follow the global trend of adopting environmental friendly technology.
Hikam explained that President Abdurrahman had instructed him to promote research in social sciences, which have previously been neglected.
Research on fishermen's' communities, for instance, had only been carried out by the LIPI and universities, he noted.
Hikam also expressed concern at overlapping in state research activities at a time when the government's research budget was already very limited.
Hikam called for better coordination between the various research institutions in the country.
Non-government research organizations, which have long been ignored by the state, should be accommodated and if necessary supported by the government, he said. (03)