Gaji Lebih Kecil, Kenapa Prof. Stela Pilih Jadi Wamen? #kickandy

Summary

In a heartfelt conversation, the speaker explains their decision to return to Indonesia despite potential sacrifices, motivated by the opportunity to influence national policy through their research on human learning and thinking. They emphasize the need for a stronger research ecosystem in the country, particularly at universities, to drive innovation and economic growth. The speaker critiques the current limitations in research funding and infrastructure, advocating for systemic reforms to create a competitive and efficient environment for science and technology, ultimately aiming to leverage Indonesia's rich resources for sustainable development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is honored to have been chosen by Minister Prabowo for a significant government position, despite the personal sacrifices involved, such as leaving a potentially higher-paying career.
• 😀 The speaker’s research focuses on understanding human learning and cognitive processes, and they are eager to share these findings to improve lives and contribute to Indonesia’s development.
• 😀 The opportunity to influence national policies with scientific evidence and data is seen as a rare and valuable chance by the speaker.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes that the support from their spouse and family is crucial in accepting this high-level government role.
• 😀 The speaker discusses the gap in Indonesia’s research ecosystem, pointing out that funding is not the only challenge; the lack of a competitive and supportive system for science and technology is a critical barrier.
• 😀 They stress the importance of increasing research activities in universities, similar to practices in developed countries where universities drive technological and scientific innovation.
• 😀 The speaker believes that research funding should be more competitive and that universities should play a more significant role in driving national research agendas and fostering innovation.
• 😀 A core concern is the limited research opportunities in Indonesia, with the speaker noting that without a proper system in place, even significant funding won't lead to real innovation.
• 😀 There is a direct comparison between Indonesia's research sector and other countries like the U.S., China, Japan, and Singapore, where universities play a central role in driving innovation and technology.
• 😀 The speaker calls on Indonesian scientists abroad to return and contribute to the country's development, arguing that their expertise is critical to advancing Indonesia’s scientific and technological landscape.

Q & A

Why does the speaker consider returning to Indonesia despite the challenges?

The speaker views the opportunity as an honor and believes it provides a chance to share their research on human thinking and learning, with the potential to improve lives and contribute to the country's development.

What is the speaker's perspective on the salary of a Deputy Minister compared to other positions?

The speaker acknowledges that the salary of a Deputy Minister is significantly lower than their previous position but considers the honor of the role and the opportunity to contribute to the country as more important than the financial aspect.

How does the speaker describe the challenges faced by scientists in Indonesia?

The speaker highlights that there is a lack of funding, limited research opportunities, and insufficient infrastructure for scientific research in Indonesia. They emphasize the difficulty of conducting cutting-edge research without adequate support.

What role does the speaker see for universities in driving scientific research?

The speaker advocates for universities to play a central role in scientific research, similar to institutions in countries like the US, China, and Japan. They believe that universities are key to fostering innovation and producing new knowledge.

What is the speaker's view on Indonesia's current research ecosystem?

The speaker criticizes the research ecosystem in Indonesia, stating that it lacks competitiveness and prioritization. They argue that scientific research is often concentrated in a few institutions, limiting its effectiveness and potential.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of aligning research with national priorities?

The speaker argues that focusing research on Indonesia's specific needs, such as leveraging its natural resources, could unlock significant economic potential. They believe that research should be directed towards solving the country’s challenges, such as improving the value of natural commodities.

What is the speaker's opinion on the return of diaspora scientists to Indonesia?

The speaker is critical of diaspora scientists who remain abroad, arguing that their innovations and patents benefit other countries rather than Indonesia. They encourage them to return and help develop the nation's scientific capabilities.

What does the speaker suggest would improve Indonesia's research ecosystem?

The speaker suggests increasing funding for research, but they emphasize that the real issue lies in the lack of a supportive ecosystem. They advocate for a system where universities lead research and compete for funding based on the quality of their proposals.

How does the speaker view the relationship between research and industry in Indonesia?

The speaker believes there is a disconnect between research and industry in Indonesia. They argue that scientific research needs to be more closely aligned with industrial needs, particularly in technology and innovation, to drive economic growth.

What hopeful signs does the speaker mention for the future of science and research in Indonesia?

The speaker is hopeful due to the creation of a new ministry focused on higher education, science, and technology. They believe that this initiative, under the leadership of figures like Minister Prof. Satrijegoro, could improve the competitiveness of research in Indonesia.