The merger of government research agencies into the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is causing tension between scientists. BRIN is believed to have veered off its path. The Palace and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle General Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri are reportedly supporting the move by BRIN chairman.

Taufik Abdullah, former Chair of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, asserts that no one is happy with the idea to amalgamate various research institutes into the National Research and Innovation Agency. He highlights a number of initiatives the government can take to foster a climate conducive for researchers.

Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman

There are protests against Glow’s night lights at the Bogor Botanical Gardens due to the absence of assessment on their impacts. The National Research and Innovation Agency insists on performing a study on the impacts of Glow’s artificial lights on site.

After three years at the helm of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Laksana Tri Handoko is entrusted with a new job: to lead the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The Japan-educated scientist is given a mandate by President Joko Widodo to integrate five major national research institutes. He is tasked to catch up lags in science and technology, to create technological independence and to focus on exploring the digital economy as well as green and blue economy. He would also continue his efforts which he initiated in LIPI to bring back a diaspora of Indonesian researchers to strengthen BRIN. Handoko said BRIN also needed political support to realize research as one of the main pillars of the national economy.

President Joko Widodo separated the National Research and Innovation Agency from the ministry of research and technology. A decision heavily influenced by his political party’s interest.

The PDI-P is pushing the National Research and Innovation Agency to become an autonomous institution. Megawati Soekarnoputri could potentially be appointed to chair its steering committee.

The week’s news summary

The establishment of the National Research and Innovation Agency is held up by a dispute over political interests. This shows the lack of commitment to innovation.

Minister of Research and Technology/Chair of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Bambang Brodjonegoro said he received full support from President Joko Widodo who asked BRIN to start working immediately. He also said that he had disagreements with the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Tjahjo Kumolo.

The research and technology ministry and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are in a state of limbo. The PDI-P reportedly wants Megawati Soekarnoputri at the helm of BRIN steering committee.