Commission X of the DPR said the increase in the National Research Fund was a fresh wind for higher education.

Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdul Fikri Faqih (photo: ig @afikrifaqih)

Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdul Fikri Faqih, appreciates President Prabowo Subianto's move to increase the national research fund budget to Rp. 12 trillion. He considers this initiative as a new positive culture in data-based and scientific governance.

Fikri said that the President's commitment was a breath of fresh air for the world of higher education to continue to innovate and make the best contribution to the nation's progress.

"This significant increase shows the President's deep understanding that the development of a developed country must have a strong and proven research foundation," Fikri said in a statement, Saturday, January 17.

The original research fund budget was allocated at Rp8 trillion. After receiving an additional Rp4 trillion, the total national research fund now reaches Rp12 trillion.

The strategic decision was made by President Prabowo after holding a face-to-face meeting with 1,200 rectors and professors from various universities at the Palace, Thursday, January 15.

According to Fikri Faqih, the meeting between the President and thousands of university leaders is an important momentum to strengthen the synergy between the government and intellectuals.

"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," said the PKS legislator from the Central Java District.

This, added Fikri Faqih, is also in line with the strategic role of academics in the Pentahelix collaboration concept which involves academics, business, government, community, and media (ABGCM) in national development.

Fikri emphasized that forums like this should not be just a ceremonial event, but should be formatted as an effective two-way communication tool. He hopes that university leaders will be given ample space to convey 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," he concluded.

Previously, President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto added a research and innovation fund allocation of Rp. 4 trillion for all public and private universities. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, conveyed that the President asked universities to take a greater role in national development, amid global geopolitical challenges and internal problems of the nation.

"The president calls the leaders of universities and professors as the brains of our country. They are asked not only to lead academically, but also to reflect on their real contributions to society, the nation, and the country," said Brian at the palace, Thursday, January 15.

Brian said the President hopes that universities will be the locomotive for mastering science and technology so that Indonesia will be able to be self-sufficient and survive. "As a form of trust and mandate, the President has increased the allocation of research and innovation funds by Rp. 4 trillion for all public and private universities," he said.

"This policy shows the President's great hope that the campus will make a significant contribution to the progress of the nation," added Brian.