Inspired by the centennial anniversary of Indonesian independence on August 17, 2045, the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) has been spearheading the development of an Indonesian Science Agenda.
A dynamic document, the Indonesian Science Agenda is dedicated to inspiring young Indonesian researchers to improve the character of the nation through critical thinking and curiosity, where science plays a role as a driver of innovation and development progress.
17-8-45
The Indonesian Science Agenda contains 8 categories of questions that are predicted to become challenges of the nation in the future and need to be closely observed by government and researchers; 17 researchers participating in generating 45 fundamental scientific questions, both basic and applied science. The intent is to foster the spirit of young researchers working to respond to challenges of the nation.
"This nation cannot be built without a strong role for science. Further, Indonesia’s issues must be resolved by Indonesians themselves. For this we need to move towards knowledge-based society, where research and innovation can be applied to overcome challenges of the nation, "said Professor Jamaluddin Jompa, Chairman of the Committee of Studies on the Indonesian Science Agenda at a press conference in Jakarta, December 17, 2014.
As part of writing of the agenda, the 13 young Indonesian researchers together with four senior scientists participated in a visit to learn about scientific excellence in Australia on November 22- 28, 2014. Supported by the Government of Indonesia and Australia through Knowledge Sector Initiative, this learning process is useful in enriching horizon of researchers in science to support Indonesians in the writing of Indonesian Science Agenda.
Moving forward
The Study Committee received a warm welcome from a number of distinguished scientists in Australia. Indeed, some of the topics in the draft Indonesian Science Agenda have potential to become collaborative research themes between Indonesia and Australia. One of members of the Australian Academy of Sciences, Dr. TJ Higgins, praised the integration of hard science and social science in the preparation of Indonesian Science Agenda. "This integration is crucial to ensure that innovation through hard science always takes into account social context and can be applied in society," he said.
The Indonesian Science Agenda will be officially published in May 2015. It is expected that this agenda will strengthen the formal network among young researchers in Indonesia. It will complement the five-yearly national research agenda of the Ministry of Research and Technology. Further it will provide long-term outlook for a National Innovation System which will contribute to development of competitive research funding mechanisms. It will also contribute to public debate which echoes the role of science in policy formulation and decision-making and the important role of science in the life of the people of Ind
