We have 49 products targeted for output, 12 of which might be urgent to respond to the public requirements to date and until the next five yearsJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Research Priority (PRN) 2020-2024 targets the output of 49 products to boost national economy and welfare, Research and Technology Minister/Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Bambang P. S. Brodjonegoro stated.
"We have 49 products targeted for output, 12 of which might be urgent to respond to the public requirements to date and until the next five years," Brodjonegoro noted here on Friday.
The 12 targeted comprise green fuel, Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance type (PUNA MALE) combatant drones, salt for the industry, food commodities comprising rice and corn, stem cell research for revolutionizing modern medicine, lithium batteries for electric vehicles, satellites, flat hull ships, and N219 amphibious aircraft.
Brodjonegoro believes green fuel will replace imported fuel oil whose price has been vacillating.
"We want to reduce our dependency on the imports of fuel whose price is fluctuating. Today, the price might be very low, but we do not know after this pandemic ends and the global economy returns to normal, oil prices can skyrocket and apply pressure on our trade balance," he expounded.
The BRIN head pointed out that the PUNA MALE combatant drone is the first Indonesian-made military drone.
"Of course, this is important not only to reduce dependency on the imports of weaponry but also crucial to protect our territory," he stated.
The other urgent output is the production of salt for the industry since Indonesia is still dependent on imports until now.
"We will prioritize to utilize the produce of small farmers to substitute imports," he remarked.
Development of lithium batteries for electric vehicles aims at positioning Indonesia as the key player in the production of electric vehicles.
Construction of flat hull ships would be a good contribution to boosting the fisheries industry and transportation. Moreover, they can be manufactured at a swifter pace and at a cheaper price, Brodjonegoro noted.
Research in food commodities, including rice and corn, target the eradication of poverty and reduction in the number of cases of stunting.
Brodjonegoro stated that humanities and social science research would help to prepare society to adapt to the industrial revolution 4.0 and digital transformation.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that digital transformation and the fourth industrial revolution occurred faster than we expected," the minister stated.
Speaking in connection with the development of the amphibious version of N219 aircraft, Brodjonegoro spoke of it yet awaiting certification from the Director General of Air Transportation of the Transportation Ministry.
The aircraft is expected to boost inter-island connectivity in Indonesia since not all regions had an airport. Hence, aircraft capable of landing on water were required.
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