The Global Innovation Index has placed Indonesia 87th out of 132 countries in terms of research provision.
Research and innovation in health are vital, specifically for developing post-pandemic health sector resiliency, given that policies would be accurate if they are based on research.
The number of researchers at BRIN stood at 8,013 as of September 2022. However, the number of researchers in the health sector was only 473.
They comprised researchers from the Health Ministry, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan), Agriculture Ministry, and Marine Affairs and Fishery Ministry.
The government is aiming to have 9 thousand researchers by 2045. According to Dharmayanti, this figure is still far from expectations.
"At BRIN, we have invited around 500 researchers with doctorate degrees so that they can join BRIN as ASN (State Civil Apparatus) every year," she informed.
Developing an interest in research to seek new innovations and solutions has become very important, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.
There are many Indonesian youngsters who have carried out research or improved their knowledge following the pandemic, she said. This interest arose from wanting to learn about pathogens and PCR tests.
"This pandemic has provided a very meaningful lesson, especially in science, and many of our researchers are racing against one another to resolve the pandemic by creating vaccines, health detection, and disinfectants," she noted.
Related news: Consume healthy foods to maintain heart health: BRIN Researcher
Related news: BRIN encourages correct, safe use of antibiotics for fish health
Translator: Maria C G P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
