President Prabowo Subianto Taks National Research, Innovation Agency with Accelerating Food Self-Sufficiency and Industrial Innovation

Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria and Vice Head of BRIN Amarulla Octavian, following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace on Monday (11/24). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has announced it aims to enhance innovation to support various strategic programs, including downstreaming, food self-sufficiency, and strategic industry reinforcement.

BRIN Head Arif Satria delivered the statement following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, along with BRIN Vice Head Amarulla Octavian, at the Merdeka Palace Monday (11/24), during which they received directives regarding the future of national research and innovation.

During the meeting, Arif reported on short-term measures proposed to restructure the organization and strengthen support for the Government’s priority programs, while the President underscored the importance of BRIN as the national research and innovation agency.

“The President said that BRIN is a vital research institution for this nation, and he expressed hope that we give a new hope with findings and innovations to solve so many problems in this country,” he said.

According to Arif, the President also ordered BRIN to help expedite downstreaming, including through a strategic collaboration with ministries and agencies, particularly sovereign wealth fund Danantara and state-owned agricultural company Agrinas.

“Agrinas should serve as a key partner in downstream industry development, innovation, and research so that Agrinas Palma, Agrinas Pangan, and Agrinas Jaladri can obtain state-of-the-art technology to boost food production. “For the President, food self-sufficiency must be achieved,” he said, adding that the President also stressed that food self-sufficiency must not be limited to corn and rice.

“Inshaallah, we will establish a research center for capture fisheries to help achieve the target for increasing protein production,” he said.

Arif added that beyond the food sector, President Prabowo Subianto has tasked BRIN with supporting a range of strategic industries that generate substantial employment.

The President, he added, also highlighted Indonesia’s competitive advantage in garments and footwear. While noting the need to bolster the nation’s independence in the electronics industry.

Additionally, Arif reported to the President that BRIN has developed a number of innovations in defense equipment and is expanding collaboration with state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia, state-owned military product manufacturer Pindad, and the national automotive industry.

“I suppose the R&D of Maung [tactical vehicle] produced by Pindad will continue to be enhanced,” he said, noting that the President’s directives create a great opportunity for national research consolidation.

“In my view, this is an opportune time to consolidate national research and innovation as it can serve as a foundation for accelerating economic growth,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/EP)