"The choice is ours. If we only serve as a venue, this country will merely be a battleground for global influences. However, if we want to be an active player, we must prepare ourselves," Sri Mulyani stated at the 2025 Convention on Science, Technology, and Industry (KSTI) held at Sasana Budaya Ganesa (Sabuga), Bandung, on Thursday.
She underscored the importance of preparing human resources to meet the demands of a world increasingly driven by science and technology.
"Today’s world is dominated by science and technology. Everything that drives development and improves well-being today is rooted in science- and technology-based industries," she stated.
Sri Mulyani also noted that the world is undergoing a fundamental geopolitical shift, accompanied by growing inter-country rivalry. In this context, she highlighted the strategic role of intellectuals in shaping Indonesia's position amid global tensions.
"Those in this room are the intellectual elite who bear great responsibility in ensuring that Indonesia does not merely serve as a venue but becomes a key player in today’s highly competitive international landscape," she stated.
At the same event, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto underscored the importance of mastering science and technology to support Indonesia's aspiration of becoming an advanced nation.
He stated that mastering science and technology is a national responsibility and the key to developing strong human resources in Indonesia.
"For economic growth and equality, especially in the extractive sector, we must shift toward managing industrialization — and the key to that lies in mastering science and technology," Yuliarto stated.
The KSTI 2025 runs from August 7 to 9, bringing together over 350 university leaders and one thousand top researchers from across Indonesia.
The convention focuses on integrating research, higher education, and industry across eight priority sectors: food, energy, health, defense, maritime affairs, downstream industry and industrialization, digitalization (including AI and semiconductors), as well as advanced materials and manufacturing.
These sectors are chosen based on Indonesia’s strategic needs to achieve technological self-reliance and enhance global competitiveness.
KSTI 2025 features panel discussions, executive sessions with government ministries and strategic institutions, sharing sessions with Nobel laureates and global academics, exhibitions of research and industrial innovations, and the BRIN Awards recognizing outstanding research institutions and scientific publications.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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