During a visit to Papua University in Manokwari, West Papua, on Sunday (July 20), Christie highlighted that the funding would be distributed fairly, with particular emphasis on food and energy security, as well as downstreaming development.
"Relevant research will bring concrete impacts to society and open funding access from central and regional governments, as well as industries," Christie noted in a statement cited here on Monday.
The deputy minister also encouraged Papua University to take center stage in research focused on local potential and resources.
At the university, Christie saw presentations on research related to sago and digital noken, a traditional Papuan bag typically crafted from tree bark fiber.
"I am proud of the research projects presented today, as all are grounded in Papua's local potential," she affirmed.
She highlighted that the proposed use of sago—known as a staple food in eastern Indonesian regions—in the Free Nutritious Meals program could serve as an example of integrating local research into public policy.
She also praised the research on digital noken, saying it could offer a new approach to learning mathematics and science.
Furthermore, Christie stressed that Papua University can play a vital role in the implementation of the Garuda School program, a priority initiative by President Prabowo Subianto to foster science and technology talent in Indonesia's frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped regions.
She underlined that the government plans to build a Garuda School in Manokwari, and that the university can contribute through research on technical aspects, such as evaluating water resource availability at the school’s prospective site.
"Not just a learning space, Garuda School is the state's strategy to accelerate the development of higher education, especially in West Papua," she concluded.
Garuda Schools are envisioned as educational facilities that produce competitive young talents ready to pursue higher education at top universities.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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