Figures have meaning for young Indonesian scientists in initiating the development of the Indonesian Science Agenda (ISA). 17, 8, 45 has a unity of meaning that is well understood by the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) in the process of developing the ISA. The choice of date serves as a context in driving the role of scientists to answer the challenge of the nation in a century of independence in 2045. In developing the ISA, Team 17 of the ISA Study Committee (which is also incorporated in AIPI) groups 8 clusters of questions elaborated in 45 detailed questions.
"This is a magical number, 8 clusters of question are framed in a circle that shows that scientists should be connected to each other and seek the truth together, with the ultimate goal as set out in the 45 Constitution namely united Indonesia, sovereign, just, wealthy, prosperous, superior, competitive and respected by the world, "said Teguh Dartanto, Ph.D.
The presentation on the ISA was discussed in a Knowledge Sector Sharing session held on February 17, 2015 by the Knowledge Sector Initiative.
Furthermore, digging up the main question in ISA document is expected to be useful in anticipating the increasingly complex challenges of the nation in the future, particularly in the framework of the nation’s 100 years of independence, on August 17, 2045.
"In contrast to the research agenda of the government, the ISA is a living document that is preventive in nature, functioning as a moral movement in the future. Indonesia must in the future be on par with other countries. So the next step and crucial challenges must be anticipated and mapped, "said Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa.
Answering a question from a participant about factors that drive a change in the scientific questions, Prof. Jompa explained that the team cannot predict what will happen in the next few years. "However, the question in its development will be dynamic, so that within a period of 3-4 years has been answered. There are also unanswered questions so that they will always be questioned until 2045. The theme of the questions is made proportionally, between the universal context and the Indonesian context, in line with the current and future issues, "explains Prof. Jompa.
Some participants expressed appreciation for the development of the ISA. "We support the 45 scientific questions and hope that their application are not only limited in Jakarta alone but spread from Sabang to Merauke. Papuan scientists strongly support the ISA initiative, "said Ismail Suardi Wekke, an executive from the State Islamic Institute (STAIN) of Sorong.
In the closing session, KSI Program Manager Budiati Prasetiamartati stated that the ISA is an evocative and important document, which also serves to reach the scientific community of the future.
