Minister Brian Yuliarto Urges Scientists to Support National Priority Programmes Through Research

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto is encouraging universities and scientists to support the acceleration of various national priority programmes through strategic cross-ministerial research collaboration. Speaking at the National Convention of Science, Technology, and Industry in Jakarta on Friday, Minister Brian stressed that science and technology must no longer remain an ivory tower confined to academic spaces, but must transform into a primary force driving national development. He stated that this noble ambition can only be achieved by making universities a strategic partner of the government to solve real problems on the ground, 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 sector, industry, and the community so that science truly becomes a force in national development,” said Minister Brian. The Minister revealed that in the energy independence and infrastructure sector, for instance, university researchers are currently working on research into palm oil-based petrol, the development of electric cookers, and a study on the implementation of a 100 Gigawatt power plant together with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. In addition, campuses are also involved in the study of the Giant Sea Wall project on the North Coast of Java. Meanwhile, in the health and food security sectors, scientists are directly involved in research on the development of a tuberculosis vaccine, strengthening the pharmaceutical industry, and agricultural genome research to produce superior varieties that can replace imported products. This academic intervention collaboration is also being expanded to other strategic sectors, ranging from integrated waste processing technology development, research on electric fishing vessels, integrated vertical housing design, to the development of the national semiconductor industry coordinated with the Danantara investment management agency. The National Convention runs for three days under the theme “Strategy for Indonesia’s Economic Independence and Welfare”. The series of activities includes symposiums and panel discussions on agriculture, energy, economy and finance, food security, marine and fisheries, downstreaming, and industry. The event was attended by approximately 2,600 rectors, lecturers, researchers, scientists, and university representatives along with the National Research and Innovation Agency. Notable figures attending the event included President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. They were accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.