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New research agency juggles limited funding
The Rp 36 trillion (US$2.56 billion) Indonesia is spending on research and development only accounts for 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product, far less than what neighboring countries spend.
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A researcher works on a vaccine at a laboratory run by state-owned PT Bio Farma in Bandung, West Java. (ANTARA FOTO/Fahrul Jayadiputra)
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new research agency has to make do with limited research funds for its job of consolidating the country’s long-scattered research bodies and private sector entities in hope of improving Indonesia's research and innovation ecosystem.
Addressing reporters on Nov. 13, the chief of the newly formed National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bambang Brodjonegoro, said the "relatively small research budget" would be directed to research and innovations that could accelerate development and improve macro-economics in the country, which has lately been clouded by trade deficits.
The Rp 36 trillion (US$2.56 billion) Indonesia is spending on research and development (R&D) only accounts for 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), far less than what neighboring countries spend.
"We've spent the biggest amount of funding on the many research and development bodies in ministries and state agencies. The five ministries with the most funding are the Agriculture Ministry, Health Ministry, Public Works and Housing Ministry, Industry Ministry and Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry," said Bambang, who is also the research and technology minister.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani addressed the issue in July, saying the limited research funds, less than those of other Asian countries, were disbursed to research and development bodies in 45 ministries and state agencies. Less than half of the money was used for research. The remainder went to operations and other purposes, she said.
This year, the government has allocated Rp 35.73 trillion for research and development.
