Speaking at the Indonesian Higher Education Summit in Surabaya, East Java, she underlined that while President Prabowo has encouraged budget efficiency, the government continues to prioritize funding for research and innovation.
“The Diktisaintek Ministry witnessed no cuts by even one rupiah in the research budget. Therefore, reports about budget efficiency leading to a decline in the research budget are unfounded,” Christie remarked at Surabaya State University.
She referred to a surge in the national research budget from Rp1.4 trillion (US$84 million) in 2024 to Rp3.2 trillion (over US$191 million) this year.
The deputy minister noted that the budget increase showcases the government’s commitment to strengthening a competitive ecosystem among academicians and researchers nationwide.
“We are currently promoting a new paradigm focused on making Diktisaintek more impactful. Research goes beyond being publications, as it serves as a strategic strength of the nation. There will be no economic growth without technological innovation,” she affirmed.
Christie added that the increased funding is expected to support practical, results-oriented research initiatives that align with President Prabowo’s key national agendas, including food and energy security, as well as industrial downstreaming.
She also stated that her office will continue efforts to secure more research incentives directly from the State Budget (APBN) to encourage stronger competition among researchers and create a more enabling landscape for innovation to grow.
“The contribution of the APBN to our research budget still stands below half of the total, as we are not yet permitted to provide direct incentives. However, we will do our best to offer direct incentives to researchers in recognition of their work,” she said.
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Translator: Hana D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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