President Prabowo Urges Universities to Enhance Research, Support Downstreaming, National Industry

President Prabowo, on Thursday (01/15), urges universities to enhance research and innovation oriented toward national industrial development and efforts to increase state revenue at the President’s Briefing to Rectors and Leaders of Public and Private Universities, held at the central courtyard of the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.

President Prabowo Subianto, on Thursday (01/15), called on universities to enhance research and innovation oriented toward national industrial development and efforts to increase state revenue at the President’s Briefing to Rectors and Leaders of Public and Private Universities, held at the central courtyard of the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said in a press statement that the President underscored the importance of research and innovation as the foundation of science and technology-based industrial development. The President stated that in the current era, national heroes also include those who produce tangible innovations and breakthroughs.

“The President called for research and innovation to drive industrial development and increase state revenue. In the past, our national heroes were those who fought colonialism and defended the people from oppression. Today, our heroes are those who create innovations and breakthroughs that can raise state revenue,” the Minister said.

“And therefore, we must maintain unity and solidarity so that research and technology can advance, and mastery of science and technology can progress,” he added.

In addition, the President emphasized the importance of synergy between research, technology, and national industry to ensure that scientific and technological mastery can deliver concrete economic impact. “Research and technology must go hand in hand with industries truly needed by our nation,” he said.

The President also expressed hope that professors and university leaders will stand as national heroes by creating science- and technology-based industrial breakthroughs. “Ultimately, this can lead to the development of major industries in Indonesia and increase state revenue,” the Minister said.

During the briefing, the President also highlighted plans to launch 18 downstream industrial projects by Danantara, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, which will require support from highly skilled human resources, research, and innovation from universities. According to the President, this momentum presents a major opportunity for universities to play a strategic role in national development.

“Once again, universities must play a key role and take on a significant responsibility. This is the time for universities to contribute to the nation by producing excellent human resources, as well as research and innovation,” he said.

As a concrete form of support, the Minister stated that the Government will increase research and innovation funding for all universities to Rp4 trillion. “This is clear evidence of the President’s strong mandate for universities, researchers, and professors to make a significant contribution to the nation’s future progress,” he said.

President Prabowo also reaffirmed his vision of Indonesia as a nation that is rich in natural resources and excels in adding value through science, research, and innovation. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/TM)