Indonesia Allocates Rp1.8 Trillion to Boost Research in Eight Strategic Sectors
Bandung, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has allocated Rp1.8 trillion (approximately US$107 million) to support research in eight nationally prioritized sectors, Deputy Minister Stella Christie announced during a press conference at the 2025 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) held in Bandung.
The funding is aimed at providing direct financial support to researchers who secure research grants, with the funding scheme set to be launched soon. “This funding aims to facilitate researchers’ access to direct cash when they win research grants,” Christie stated.
The eight designated priority sectors include food, energy, health, defense, maritime affairs, downstreaming and industrialization, digitalization (including artificial intelligence and semiconductors), and advanced materials and manufacturing. Christie emphasized that these areas align with the strategic directives of President Prabowo Subianto in his mission to transform Indonesia into a developed, self-sufficient nation.
“The president has highlighted the need for energy and food security as key pillars for national resilience,” she added.
In tandem with the financial incentives, the ministry is also streamlining regulatory frameworks to reduce administrative burdens on researchers and industries. “After nine months in office, we have almost doubled our research funding by around 80 percent, which will be distributed directly to university researchers,” Christie noted.
The 2025 KSTI, held from August 7 to 9, brought together over 350 university leaders and more than 1,000 of the nation’s top researchers. The convention focused on bridging the gap between academia, research, and industry, particularly within the eight priority sectors, which are regarded as crucial to achieving Indonesia’s technological independence and global competitiveness.
President Prabowo Subianto addressed the convention on Thursday, calling on scientists, academics, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in driving national advancement. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated, “This convention is being held as a direct initiative from President Prabowo to bring together the strengths of researchers, academics, and industry players, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).”
The convention reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and realizing its vision of becoming a technologically advanced and independent nation.
