LIPI researchers reluctant to return home

Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Dedicating your life to science in Indonesia, particularly for a government institution, remains a difficult choice.

Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Umar Anggara Jenie confirmed this on Tuesday when he revealed that 29 researchers who had completed their studies abroad under the institute's scholarship program refused to return to Indonesia.

"They were sent abroad to take their doctoral in strategic fields of study. Unfortunately, now they are not willing to work for LIPI," Umar, told the media on Tuesday after the opening of the VIII National Congress of Sciences 2003.

The biggest concern of the scientists are funding and facilities which could help them do research and develop their knowledge, Umar said.

Umar said most of the scientists considered LIPI incapable of providing modern and well-equipped laboratories which could help them to develop or boost inventions.

Earlier, head of LIPI's Planning and Finance Bureau Rochadi Abdulhadi told The Jakarta Post Indonesian scientists were underpaid compared to their counterparts in neighboring countries, for example the Philippines, where scientists earn about 10 times the salary of Indonesians, according to Rochadi.

"So if let's say Indonesian scientists are paid US$700, those in the Philippines could get US$7,000 for a similar research. Don't compare it with Singapore, which certainly would pay even more," he said.

Umar questioned the moral responsibility of the LIPI scientists who were reluctant to return home.

"It's true that the scientists are very bright. It is not surprising that they have been offered the opportunity to conduct research by the universities where they are studying or other institutions abroad and that they have accepted the offer, although they have work contracts with us here," said Umar.

Asked whether LIPI could take an action against them, Umar said they could if they wished to.

"The agreement actually states that LIPI would pay their tuition but as soon as they graduate, they have to come back and work for us," he said.

However, if the institute relies solely on that agreement Umar worries LIPI would lose more scientists.

"We should set priorities. Either we dismiss them or just let them do what they want. In one way, they are not asking for their salaries, so we have nothing to lose. We have decided to just let things take their course," said Umar.

Umar said he still expected the scientists to come back someday when Indonesia's economy fully recovers and LIPI can conduct spectacular, interesting and well-financed research projects.

Rochadi said at the moment there were about 1,025 scientists hired by the institute working on both scientific and social research.