Menbud Fadli Zon Highlights The Importance Of The Role Of Social Science When Confirming HIPIIS Management

JAKARTA Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of the role of social science as the main foundation in the preparation of public policies. This was conveyed when inaugurating the Central Executive of HIPIIS (Indonesian Association for the Development of Social Sciences) for the period 2024 2028 at the Mercure Hotel, South Jakarta, Saturday, May 10.

Fadli Zon, who is also the General Chair of PP HIPIIS, said that this inauguration was not a mere ceremony, but a commitment to strengthening the contribution of social science in responding to the challenges of an increasingly complex era.

Social science is here to read reality, give meaning, and offer solutions to social, economic, cultural, and political problems. HIPIIS must be a critical and independent intellectual force," said Fadli in front of around 200 participants.

He stressed that the government, especially in the era of President Prabowo Subianto, needed sharp thinking support and data-based from social scientists. According to him, HIPIIS must take a strategic role as a think tank that provides input to policymakers.

The role of HIPIIS is very important. I believe, this organization can become a strategic partner in realizing a clean and authoritative government," he said.

The HIPIIS National Working Meeting which took place on May 9, 2025 was also attended by figures such as Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, Prof. Taufik Abdullah, Prof. Ma'mun Murod, Garin Nugroho, and officials of the Ministry of Culture. During the meeting, a number of important ideas emerged for the future of HIPIIS.

One of them was conveyed by the Chairman of the HIPIIS Advisory Council, Prof. Dr. Ravik Karsidi. He highlighted the need for a youth strategy based on social science, considering that Indonesia is at the peak of a demographic bonus. HIPIIS must be a link between researchers and policymakers," he said.

Ravik also explained plans for continued HIPIIS activities, including seminars on the works of Prof. Taufik Abdullah, the redefinition of social science in the current context, and the preparation of a large narrative of national development from a social perspective.

Meanwhile, director Garin Nugroho called HIPIIS an important space to restore the role of marginalized humanities. "In the last ten years, the role of social science in government has been minimal. It's time for that role to be returned," he said.