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Red tape, limited freedom hamper Indonesia’s science diplomacy
Progresses made by diplomatic efforts in the field of science can only be hindered if the country does not work to improve its lengthy bureaucratic processes and academic freedom, researchers have concurred.
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A visitor checks out a model of a fighter jet manufactured by a Russian company during a defense technology exhibition at the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Complex in South Tangerang, Banten, on April 21. Representatives from Russia, China, India and other countries participate in the exhibition organized by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Defense Ministry to showcase innovation and research in the defense sector. (Antara/Muhammad Iqbal)
I
ndonesia’s work to ramp up its diplomatic efforts related to science, aiming to advance scientific research conditions in the country, may be hindered by lengthy bureaucratic processes and poor academic freedom.
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), deemed the country’s “research superbody” after usurping the responsibilities of various research institutions across the country in 2021, has been talking with various foreign parties about forging scientific cooperation in order to help the development of Indonesian researchers.
Among the latest examples was when BRIN head Laksana Tri Handoko met with Russian Deputy Science and Higher Education Minister Konstantin Mogilevskiy in Jakarta on April 14 to discuss a plan to expand both countries’ cooperation on research and innovation.
Mogilevskiy offered BRIN the chance to work together in the fields of nuclear physics, archeology and history, among other sectors. Laksana added that BRIN was also in business talks with Russian space agency Roscosmos about the construction of the first spaceport to be built in Indonesia.
Between February and March 2024, BRIN researchers went with their Chinese counterparts on a research trip focusing on the Central Java Trough’s hadal zone at the depth of 3,200 kilometers below the sea level. The Chinese entourage brought research vessels and submarines, allowing the researchers to collect samples from the deep ocean.
“No country can do research alone,” Laksana said during a discussion hosted by the Society of Indonesian Science Journalists (SISJ) on May 10. “We also fall behind [on research]. To expedite the process, we need to learn and work with those smarter than us.”
Read also: Science, innovation at stake under BRIN management
