Although we are currently focusing on the handling of COVID-19, we still have to carry out structural reforms for Indonesia’s progress in future.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo on Tuesday expressed the hope that the National Technology Awakening Day (Hakteknas) would serve as a reminder for the nation to achieve technological sovereignty.

"It is a momentum to expedite our technological sovereignty," he said at the commemoration of the 26th Hakteknas, themed ‘Research Integration for Innovative Indonesia: Digital, Green, Blue Economy’.

"We have thousands of researchers and innovators as well as thousands of world-class research diaspora. We have to consolidate them," he stressed at an online press conference, which was streamed on the YouTube channel of the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN).

He then urged BRIN to make immediate efforts to integrate the strength of national research and innovation in terms of human resources, infrastructure, programs, and budgets.

BRIN should serve as the center of Indonesia's technological advancement by coordinating the resources of government and private institutions, technology start-ups, and other related stakeholders, he added.

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The President also encouraged the acquisition of foreign advanced technologies so they can be produced domestically.

"I believe that Indonesia's large market and abundant natural resources can give us advantages in the negotiation process. BRIN should get the acquisitions at affordable prices," he said.

"Although we are currently focusing on the handling of COVID-19, we still have to carry out structural reforms for Indonesia’s progress in future," he added

Furthermore, Widodo emphasized the importance of technology for domestic industries to increase added value of resources and create jobs.

"We have great opportunity in developing industries thoroughly -- from upstream to downstream industries -- for example, nickel mining. We have developed mining industries. Now, we should also develop lithium battery as well as electric car industries," he said.

Relevant technology is also key for improving domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he added.

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Translator: Desca Natalia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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