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Decolonizing research, advancing science and technology
As Indonesia prepares to celebrate Independence Day, perhaps it should take a good look at potential neocolonialism in national research.
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Testing and experimenting: Researchers work in the genomic laboratory belonging to the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Cibinong, West Java, on Aug. 10.
(Antara/Yulius Satria Wijaya)
A
nother year in our journey of independence has passed. We have every reason to celebrate it with joy, just like every year. Social media is flooded with happy faces, culinary delicacies and natural beauty, all presented in a red-and-white theme.
Yet, one source of dissatisfaction still seems to persist. It concerns the perceived lack of association with the developed world in science and technology.
This year, Indonesia has assumed the prestigious Group of 20 presidency, but one might wonder if the status of being one of the world’s largest economies can be attributed to the level of knowledge in the nation. This refers to the kind of knowledge that should be uniquely present within Indonesian society and determines the significance of the international role the country plays.
One focus, which makes it appear debatable as to whether it has ever been given the appropriate attention, is the government’s policy on research and its closely related higher education. From one political era to another, Indonesia has seen one overhaul followed by another in the organization, management and implementation of policies related to research and higher education institutions.
The most recent one is the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in 2021, an overarching agency tasked with overseeing research activities across the nation. Observing the polemic in the media, BRIN’s establishment has raised controversy.
Almost two years later, the criticisms seem to have grown louder, if not harsher.
One must recognize that many new elements that came with the establishment of BRIN were well intended, such as the introduction of postdoctoral positions. Another example is the new spirit for collaborating with foreign research organizations.
