"One of the major programs that are currently being run and will continue to run is the collaboration on disaster research involving 23 universities and thematic student study service (KKN) involving no less than five thousand students in Bali Province," Warsito said in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
The program, which has enlisted the participation of 49 researchers for five themes of strategic policy studies, would be carried out from August to October this year, he informed.
The program aims to invite communities in universities to play an active role in COVID-19 handling in Bali Province, he added.
"Through this research, I expect that all researchers can contribute to producing scientific products of high academic value, such as research articles, books, policies, and innovative products that are applicable in solving disaster problems, especially the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali Province in particular, and Indonesia, in general,” Warsito elaborated.
He said he expected that through direct contribution, students participating in the program would become agents of change and solve social problems through the field of science, or in any field of their interest.
Director of disaster risk monitoring and evaluation at the BNPB, Dr. Ir Udrech, said that his agency has initiated several activities involving the public to restore the situation in Bali.
"At the end of 2020, we have tried to do various activities in Bali, which, in essence, are trying to involve pentahelix, especially academics, to be able to carry out many kinds of activities," he informed.
The programs were organized with help from ministries, including the Communication and Informatics Ministry; Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry; and the Agriculture Ministry, he added.
"We are collaborating with the Education and Culture Ministry, namely (for the) 2021 activities, where this activity are being partaken by universities in Bali and outside Bali, and it (the program) has succeeded in capturing (forming) 49 research teams that will run and be funded by Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry," Udrech said.
He said he expected the collaboration of ministries and institutions involving scientists and academics would support policies, or scientific studies based on science to aid recovery efforts in Bali.
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Translator: Hreeloita D S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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