"Compliance with regulations will be the basis for every granting of permit for foreign researchers. We will also take note on problematic foreign researchers," Handoko stated at a press conference here, Wednesday.
Speaking in connection with the recent sanction issued by the Environment and Forestry Ministry against some foreign researchers, Handoko affirmed that the agency would follow up to learn about the case from both the sanctioned researchers and the ministry.
"Foreign researchers supervised under the BRIN might yet need extra permits to conduct more (research) activities, for instance, when they need to access a conservation area," the BRIN head noted.
The BRIN's deputy of research and innovation facility will probe the case while remaining committed to justice, he stated.
"Mr Agus Haryono (BRIN's deputy of research and innovation facility) will study the case in a more detailed way, so we can treat them more fairly," Handoko remarked.
Moreover, Handoko reiterated BRIN's commitment to maintaining research and innovation infrastructure open for all parties and encouraged collaboration with foreign researchers to conduct their research in Indonesia, on condition that they comply with prevailing regulations in Indonesia.
According to Law No. 11 of 2019 on National Science and Technology System, foreign researchers that conducted their research illegally in Indonesia could be penalized up to Rp4 billion (US$256 thousand) and face administrative sanction.
The administrative sanction entails the inclusion of the researchers' names into the national blacklist and barring them from conducting research, study, and development of science and technology in Indonesia.
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Translator: Martha HS, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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