President Jokowi: Do Not Let Our Research Only Produce Paperwork

President Jokowi inaugurates the 2020 National Coordination Meeting of Ministry of Research and Technology/the National Research and Innovation Agency, in South Tangerang, Thursday (30/1). (Photo by: PR/Ibrahim).

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) must be able to detect and identify strategic and innovative research topics that are in accordance with national interests, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“The BRIN must become the nation’s innovation intelligence agency,” President Jokowi said at the 2020 National Coordination Meeting of Ministry of Research and Technology/the National Research and Innovation Agency, in South Tangerang, Thursday (30/1).

According to the President, the BRIN must immediately consolidate the national strategic research agenda including in the fields of energy, food, pharmaceuticals, defense, and information technology.

“I have already ordered the BPPT to arrange a special Limited Cabinet Meeting regarding drone matters next week,” President Jokowi said, adding that drones have currently outperformed tanks, armored vehicles and military aircraft since it can be controlled unmannedly.

The research budget of Rp27.1 trillion, the President continued, needs to be consolidated in order to produce good research output.

“Don’t let our research only produce reports stored in filing cabinets,” he added.

Although the budget is not much compared to developed countries, the President expressed optimism that if it is used optimally on strategic solutions, the research output will bring positive impacts to the country.

President Jokowi went on to say that the BRIN should explore cooperation from all entities, not only in terms of consolidating 329 Research Units owned by ministries and agencies but also in inviting private sector participation in leading research.

“We can provide incentives to the private sector, namely through super deduction tax. From what I have seen in South Korea, in developed countries, most researchers work in private companies,” the President added. (RSF/EN)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas