Minister Brian Yuliarto Urges Scientists to Support National Priority Programmes Through Research
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has encouraged universities and scientists to support the acceleration of various national priority programmes through strategic cross-ministerial research collaborations.
During the National Seminar of the 2026 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) in Jakarta on Friday, Minister Brian emphasised that science and technology (iptek) must no longer remain an ‘ivory tower’ within academic spaces, but must instead transform into a primary driving force for national development.
He stated that this noble ambition can only be achieved by positioning universities as strategic partners to the government in solving real-world problems, in order to realise economic independence and the welfare of the Indonesian people.
“The main goal is to strengthen collaboration between the government, universities, the business world, industry, and society so that science truly becomes a force in national development,” said Minister Brian.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology revealed that in sectors such as energy independence and infrastructure, university researchers are currently working on research regarding palm oil petrol, the development of electric stoves, and studies on the implementation of 100 Gigawatt (GW) power plants alongside the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
Furthermore, universities are also involved in studies for the Giant Sea Wall project on the North Coast of Java.
Meanwhile, in the fields of health and food security, scientists are directly involved in research for the development of tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, the strengthening of the pharmaceutical industry, and the development of agricultural genomics to produce superior varieties capable of replacing imported products.
This academic intervention collaboration is also being expanded to other strategic sectors, ranging from the development of integrated waste processing technology, research on electric fishing boats, the design of integrated vertical housing, to the development of the national semiconductor industry, coordinated alongside the Danantara investment management agency.
The National Seminar took place over three days, from 26–28 June 2026, under the theme “Strategies for Economic Independence and Indonesian Welfare”. The series of activities included symposia and panel discussions regarding agriculture, energy, economy and finance, food security, marine and fisheries, downstreaming, and industry.
At least 2,600 rectors, lecturers, researchers, scientists, and university representatives attended alongside the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Several prominent figures also attended the event, including the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Also in attendance were the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, the State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and the Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.