JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto has decided to increase the national research fund budget to Rp. 12 trillion. This step is appreciated by member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdul Fikri Faqih.
"This significant increase shows the President's deep understanding that the development of a developed country must have a strong and proven research foundation," said the man who is familiarly called Fikri in Jakarta, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, January 17.
The strategic decision was made by the President after holding a face-to-face meeting with 1,200 rectors and professors from various universities. From the meeting, the President decided that the research fund budget, which was originally allocated at Rp. 8 trillion, would receive an additional Rp. 4 trillion, so that the total reached Rp. 12 trillion.
According to Fikri, this is an initiative that has become a new culture of positive value in data- and science-based governance. The meeting between the President and the intellectuals was also an opportunity for the President to share his thoughts on the current situation in the country.
"The tradition of direct communication between heads of state and academic leaders is very crucial so that information regarding the administration of government can be conveyed in full and transparently to the nation's thinkers," he said.
This, he continued, is in line with the strategic role of academics in the pentahelix collaboration concept which involves academics, business, government, community, and media in national development.
Fikri then emphasized that such a forum should not only be a ceremonial event, but also should be formatted in such a way as to become an effective two-way communication tool. He hopes that university leaders will be given ample room to provide constructive input directly to the President.
"Input from these experts is very needed to ensure that the direction of state policy remains on the right track and can be scientifically accountable," said the legislator from the electoral district (dapil) IX Central Java which includes Tegal City, Tegal Regency and Brebes Regency.
Fikri also conveyed that Commission X of the DPR RI considered this commitment as a fresh wind for the world of higher education to continue to innovate and contribute to the nation's progress.
Previously, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto conveyed that the additional research budget was a tangible proof of the great mandate given by the President to the world of higher education, especially researchers and professors, to contribute significantly in encouraging the nation's progress forward.
Regarding the technical aspects of budgeting, Brian explained that the detailed discussion of the scheme and the distribution of funds would be further coordinated with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of State Secretariat.
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