"Only with strong mastery of science and technology, Indonesia will be able to emerge as a well-developed and capable country to face global competition," he said in Jakarta ahead of the upcoming Indonesian vice presidential debate on Sunday.
The optimal use of science and technology would enable Indonesia to enhance its self reliance in building the nation and accelerate its national development, he said.
The mastery of science and technology would also enable Indonesia to innovate and respond to various challenges in meeting its needs, including in achieving food security and in stopping its great dependence on imports, Brodjonegoro said.
"If our science and technology remain weak, this country will always rely on imports. It means that we have yet to get well developed and to be able to compete globally."
Therefore, the development of science and technology should be part of the Indonesian presidential and vice presidential candidates' priorities in building the nation so that it would emerge as a country whose economy was generated by innovation, he said.
In connection with the 2019 parliamentary and presidential elections, due to held simultanously on April 17, the General Election Commissions (KPU) has prepared five rounds of presidential debates for the pairs of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)-Ma'ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pairs.
The presidential debates, broadcast live by several television channels, are expected to help some 192 million eligible voters, who will participate in this democratic process, to become well-informed on the two pairs' capacity and capability.
The first and second rounds of presidential debates had taken place on January 17, and February 17 while the third debate has been scheduled to be held on March 17 during which only vice presidential candidates will debate.
The main issues that will be highlighted by Ma'ruf Amin and his tough contender Sandiaga Uno in the third round of debate are related to educational, employment, health, as well as social and cultural matters.
Empowered with sufficient information about the candidates, they will be able to vote rationally. Whoever wins the upcoming presidential election, Indonesia will have a new pair of capable president and vice president.
Reporting by Martha Herlinawati S, Rahmad Nasution
(T.R013/A)
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Reporter: Martha Herlinawati S, Rahmad N
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
