Wardiman wants more research by universities
Wardiman wants more research by universities
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro said on Saturday that the government supports the public call to intensify the university's role as a research center.
Wardiman told reporters at a ceremony commemorating the 45th anniversary of the University of Indonesia, held in the university's complex in Depok, that in the first stage, his ministry will encourage the development of research among lecturers in universities throughout Indonesia.
"The government has so far cooperated with a number of industrial companies to finance research projects in universities," he said.
Wardiman said the development of research among lecturers is expected to enable the government to solve Indonesia's education problems, which deal mainly with human resources.
Other efforts, Wardiman said, are to cooperate with foreign education agencies or universities in the research field.
The Ministry of Education and Culture has appointed the University of Indonesia as the first university to execute research activities under sponsorship from the companies, he said, adding that three other universities, the Institute of Technology Bandung, the Institute of Agriculture in Bogor and the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, also have all the requirements to do the same.
Saturday's ceremony was highlighted by a scientific oration from Sudraji Sumapraja, professor of the School of Medicine from the university.
Sudraji underlined the importance of a bigger role on the part of industrial companies in increasing research activities in universities. "Bio-technology research, especially in medical science, is badly needed to help find new cures for various illnesses," he said.
Wardiman agreed with Sudraji's statement and said that research activities to be conducted by universities should be those which will have actual effects on society.
"All research should be useful for the people and Indonesia," he added.
University of Indonesia (UI), established on Feb. 2 1950, has 11 schools, ranging from medical science, social and political science to law, with over 27,934 students.
Rector of the university M.K. Tadjudin said that UI has graduated 50,000 students. (yns)