Minister of Higher Education Meets Prabowo at Palace to Discuss Research Support for Government Programmes

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto met with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

During the meeting, Yuliarto indicated that several matters would be discussed, including the potential use of research outcomes to support government programmes.

“We are not yet certain what will be covered, but it may relate to research results that can be used immediately to support food security and energy resilience,” said Yuliarto on Tuesday.

Yuliarto highlighted that these two areas would be affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East following military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran.

“Food security and energy resilience are two areas impacted by global geopolitical developments that could be accelerated. We hope that colleagues in universities with research outcomes will quickly be encouraged to focus on food security and energy resilience,” he stated.

Previously, Yuliarto acknowledged that President Prabowo had requested the ministry to conduct and collate research to support government programmes. Based on recent directives from the President, energy conversion needs to be accelerated within a 3-4 year timeframe.

This is because the conversion of diesel stoves to electric appliances will reduce Indonesia’s dependence on petroleum and natural gas imports. It will also reduce the burden of subsidies that the state allocates annually.

Beyond electric stove conversion, Prabowo has also instructed his ministers to accelerate the conversion of diesel power plants to solar power plants and petrol-fuelled vehicles to electric motorcycles.