LIPI rues lack of govt support for sci-tech development

Indonesian Science Institute (LIPI) chairman Lukman Hakim says that the lack of attention from the government toward the development of science and technology has rendered the country unable to tackle its mounting food, energy and water problems.

“This is because the role of science and technology is not considered as an alternative solution to the problems,” he said at the 10th National Science Congress in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

He said that the government had not done enough through its budget and policies to support the country’s technological development.

“The government has increased the education allocation, but the effective usage of the funds has not been sufficient, particularly for the development of research and technology,” he said.

Lukman said that he regretted the government’s lack of attention, knowing that science and technology had the potential to provide solutions for the country's woes.

“The results of research and technology are able to resolve problems in Indonesia and the world,” he said.

The 10th National Science Congress, themed “The Use of Science in Developing Independence and National Sovereignty Amid the Global Change”, is being held from Nov. 8-10 at Bidakara Hotel in Jakarta.