Speaking before 1,200 professors, deans, and rectors from universities across the country on Thursday, Prabowo said the additional funding is expected to strengthen university research activities, including collaborative projects with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
“During the meeting, the president outlined several issues and agreed to provide additional funding for research,” Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said at a press conference following the 2026 Presidential Briefing with Rectors and Leaders of State and Private Universities at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
During the meeting, Prabowo also asked universities to prioritize research that supports the implementation of food self-sufficiency, energy self-sufficiency, industrialization, and downstreaming programs.
“This year, a major groundbreaking phase will begin, which will certainly require human resources with strong science and technology capabilities,” Hadi said, reiterating the substance of the president’s briefing.
Regarding the additional research funding, Hadi confirmed that the policy will take effect in 2026.
“This year, it has been requested to be included in the 2026 state budget,” he added.
Separately, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said President Prabowo hopes the increased research funding will make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s long-term development.
“The president has given a strong mandate to universities, researchers, and professors to make significant contributions to the future of our nation,” Yuliarto said.
Thursday’s meeting was part of a series of intensive communications between the president and various segments of society, particularly the education sector.
According to Hadi, President Prabowo’s focus over the past week has been on strengthening the education sector as a key foundation for national development, in line with the government’s ambitious goals of achieving food and energy self-sufficiency.
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Translator: Genta Tenri, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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