"If we want to take advantage of our marine potential, whether like it or not, we have to develop our human capital, research, knowledge, and technology," acting deputy for maritime resources coordination at the ministry Mochammad Firman Hidayat said at a webinar on the “Economic Impact of Biology of Conservation Areas with Fishery Resources at WPP 714-715” here on Thursday.
Building a strong science, technology, and innovation base should be one of the priorities to achieve Indonesia's 2045 Vision, which is to become a high-income country and the axis of global maritime civilization, he added.
"The higher the use of marine-related technology, the higher the GDP (gross domestic product) per capita of a country," he opined.
According to him, research and innovation activities are important not only for the sake of science but also commercialization.
"Innovation is not only science but also has the potential for large commercialization, so the economic value is also large. Don't just stop at research, but we can turn this into an investment in the private sector," he explained.
The outputs of research and innovation activities can be in the form of, among others, mapping of the seabed that can be used for exploration and exploitation of seabed minerals.
The results of geological/geomorphological surveys can be used to predict the weather to optimize fishing routes. Ecosystem and biodiversity assessments can be used for biotechnology innovation, or the development of big data analysis as a tool and service.
"There are so many research potentials that don't just stop at the academic level but also have economic and commercial value," Hidayat noted.
In addition, a scientific base and scientific data are also important to establish effective policies.
"If we don't have a database, information and knowledge base, it's impossible for us to design effective policies," Hidayat argued.
Meanwhile, head of the Earth and Maritime Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Ocky Karna Radjasa, said that the agency is supporting and conducting research and innovation to push national economic growth through the optimization of marine and fishery potential.
It is also conducting research and innovation for the conservation, restoration, and improvement of ecosystems to ensure sustainable marine utilization.
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Translator: Martha H S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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