The agency stands accused of not having a clear strategy to develop science after its own researchers complained about what they claim are reckless spending policies, one of which is reportedly paying lawmakers for simply opening online training workshops.

Institutional flaw

But alleged financial mismanagement aside, researchers said the agency’s institutional design could be the reason why it is failing to make a leap forward for science, adding that research in the country has taken a step backward since BRIN took charge.

“Right now, we are already facing setbacks on all fronts, in research, innovation, science and technology. So, if there are no changes introduced, we will continue to fall further behind other countries,” said Satryo Brodjonegoro, chairman of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI), a civil society group set up by local scientists. 

BRIN was established in 2019 as part of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s newfound focus on research and innovation in the second term of his presidency. It was initially tasked only with coordinating research programs and policies among the country’s different research institutions. However, President Jokowi later issued a presidential regulation authorizing the agency to usurp existing research institutions, including those operating under the auspices of various ministries, turning it into a “research superbody”.

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