Planning board laments lack of funds for research
Planning board laments lack of funds for research
SERPONG, West Java (JP): The National Development Planning Board laments the severe lack of funds for research projects in all government agencies.
The board's deputy chairman Rahardi Ramelan said the lack of both financial resources and expertise has made Indonesia fall behind its neighboring countries in science and technology.
Rahardi acknowledged that compared to other Asian countries, Indonesia also ranked lowest in the provision of fund allocated for the development of science and technology.
"The funds allocated for science and technology development, including research activities, in the last three fiscal years have increased by only approximately 30 percent, from Rp 701 million (US$315,000) in 1993/94, to Rp 871 million in 1994/95, and Rp 1.182 trillion in 1995/96. Or, proportionally, the increase represents only 0.23 percent, 0.26 percent and 0.31 percent of the gross domestic product," he said, adding that the ideal proportion is two percent.
He said it is expected that Indonesia will not be able to achieve the ideal proportion until the year 2018.
The government is also planning to involve the private sector in the research projects, to help speed up science and technology development programs.
"The participation of the private sector and universities is needed to solve the financial and coordination problems," he said.
He said 70 to 80 percent of fund for research activities in the future are expected to be implemented by the private sector, while universities are expected to provide more qualified researchers.
Rahardi also lamented the lack of coordination of research activities among the various government agencies.
"The lack of coordination has often caused duplication of efforts and a waste of time and money," he said.
The two-day meeting, which was opened by State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie on Saturday, is attended by around 500 researchers from state and private research institutions, including universities and industries. (rms)