Hikam backs 'people oriented' technology
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)