NALAR Ep. 38 MENGAPA RISET DAN INOVASI HARUS JADI PRIORITAS

Summary

The speaker highlights Indonesia's urgent need to prioritize research and innovation to address both the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and long-term economic development. Despite efforts like vaccination programs, the country struggles with slow progress in handling the pandemic due to inadequate investment in research. The lack of focus on science and technology since the fall of President Soeharto has hindered national progress. The speaker calls for systemic reforms, including a clear structure for BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency), to drive innovation, commercialize research, and align it with public policy for a stronger, knowledge-based economy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic response in Indonesia has been slow, with cases still high and vaccination efforts lagging behind expectations.
• 😀 Despite innovation efforts such as GeNose and ventilator designs, Indonesia's response lacks a coordinated strategy for research and innovation.
• 😀 Research and innovation have never been a national priority in Indonesia, and this has hampered the country’s ability to address crises effectively.
• 😀 Prior to the pandemic, there was little emphasis on research, science, and technology in Indonesia's development plans, continuing into the presidency of Joko Widodo.
• 😀 The national budget for research remains inadequate, with only 0.36% allocated to research in 2021, a significant decrease from the previous year.
• 😀 Indonesia's economy still heavily relies on commodity exports and low-value industrial relocation, rather than on knowledge and innovation-based industries.
• 😀 According to the 2020 Global Innovation Index, Indonesia ranks poorly in innovation compared to its neighbors in Asia and beyond.
• 😀 The creation of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is a positive step, but its structure remains incomplete, delaying effective governance of research efforts.
• 😀 BRIN must become the driving force for integrating knowledge and innovation into public policy and creating an ecosystem for the commercialization of research findings.
• 😀 Indonesia's long-term goal of becoming a global economic leader by 2045 depends on prioritizing research, science, and innovation to build a knowledge-based economy.

Q & A

What is the main critique presented in the speech about Indonesia's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The main critique is that Indonesia's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been ineffective, with limited results in both controlling the virus and recovering the economy. Despite efforts like the PPKM and vaccination programs, the response has been suboptimal, with daily case numbers still high and vaccination rates lagging behind the target.

Why does the speaker argue that research and innovation have never been a priority in Indonesia?

The speaker argues that research and innovation have never been a priority in Indonesia due to a lack of consistent government focus. Over the years, the emphasis on science and technology has been inconsistent, and it has not been integrated into national development plans. This neglect has led to ineffective responses during crises like the pandemic.

What evidence is provided to support the claim that research and innovation are not prioritized?

Evidence includes the low allocation of funds for research in the national budget. For example, in the 2021 budget, only 0.36% (Rp 9.9 trillion) was allocated to research, a sharp decline from the previous year's 1.1% (Rp 30 trillion). This allocation is spread thin across various sectors, highlighting the minimal focus on research and innovation.

How does the speaker describe the situation of research institutions and projects in Indonesia?

The speaker describes the situation as chaotic and lacking direction. While some institutions like UGM and ITB have produced innovative solutions like the GeNose test and emergency ventilators, these efforts are seen as reactionary, not part of a strategic, well-funded, and well-coordinated research system.

What role does the speaker envision for BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) in Indonesia's future?

BRIN is seen as crucial for improving the governance and integration of research and innovation in Indonesia. The speaker believes that BRIN can help create a more focused, independent, and collaborative research environment, streamline bureaucratic processes, and foster a stronger innovation ecosystem.

What specific action does the speaker recommend President Joko Widodo take to improve the situation?

The speaker urges President Joko Widodo to make a decisive decision on the structure of BRIN, ensuring that it is fully operational with a clear leadership structure. The speaker also calls for more substantial investment in research and innovation and better alignment of research with national development goals.

How does the speaker link research and innovation to Indonesia's long-term development goals, especially the 2045 vision?

The speaker links research and innovation to Indonesia's long-term development by emphasizing that the country cannot achieve its goal of becoming a global leader by 2045 without transitioning from a commodity-based economy to one driven by knowledge and innovation. Research and innovation are seen as essential for economic progress and global competitiveness.

What are some of the key challenges the speaker identifies in the governance of research and innovation?

Key challenges include unclear institutional structures, like the lack of a definitive structure for BRIN, inadequate funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of collaboration between different sectors of research. These issues hinder the effective orchestration and application of research for national development.

What is the speaker's perspective on Indonesia's ranking in global innovation indices?

The speaker highlights that Indonesia ranks 85th out of 131 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2020, indicating the country's lag in innovation compared to other Asian nations. This poor ranking reflects the need for serious investments in research and innovation to boost the country's global competitiveness.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of integrating research into public policy?

The speaker emphasizes this integration to ensure that policies are evidence-based and effectively address national challenges. The use of research in policymaking would help avoid unintended consequences and ensure that policies lead to tangible, positive outcomes for society.