Not only do we have to be ready in confronting the crisis, but we should also find and utilize opportunities from the ongoing crisis
Jakarta (ANTARA) - In handing the food and energy crisis currently occurring worldwide, Indonesia should be able to find new opportunities through research and innovation, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) stated.

"Not only do we have to be ready in confronting the crisis, but we should also find and utilize opportunities from the ongoing crisis," BRIN's Head, Laksana Tri Handoko, noted during the 27th National Technology Awakening Day (Hakteknas) commemoration.

"All of this can be done if we provide added value through research and innovation," he noted in Cibinong, West Java, Wednesday.

In finding this opportunity, Indonesia has adequate fundamental capital through its biodiversity that can be utilized to conduct research and innovation in food and energy.

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"We are currently no longer in the era of computer, but we have entered the era of biotechnology, biomass, biomaterial, and bioproduct," Handoko stated.

This is an era where the waste can be transformed into other materials that can be beneficial for society, he pointed out.

The Soekarno Science and Technology Zone in Cibinong, West Java, is being utilized as a bio-research center to produce innovations that can provide added value for various Indonesian local materials.

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"The Soekarno Science and Technology Zone has transformed into an integrated bio-research center for food, health, and environment," he stated.

Food and energy are also two areas of focus in research and innovation as instructed by President Joko Widodo ever since BRIN was founded in April 2021. Thus, BRIN is committed to realizing food and energy sovereignty in Indonesia.

"Moreover, we are experiencing the pandemic and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis that disrupted our food and energy supply chain," he highlighted.

"While we are still better off than other countries, we cannot let our guard down," he remarked.

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Translator: Martha H S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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