ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has entered a new era of national innovation development.
President Prabowo Subianto summoned the Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, and BRIN Deputy Chief Amarulla Octavian to the Merdeka Palace on Monday, November 24, 2025, to deliver firm directives on accelerating the country’s strategic research and innovation agenda.
During the meeting, Arif Satria presented BRIN’s short-term restructuring plans aimed at strengthening support for the government’s priority programs.
President Prabowo stressed that BRIN must serve as a core pillar of national innovation and a center for breakthrough discoveries.
“President Prabowo emphasized that BRIN must consistently deliver new hope through its discoveries and innovations to help solve the nation’s challenges,” Arif told reporters.
Downstreaming Innovation Becomes a National Priority
President Prabowo instructed BRIN to accelerate innovation downstreaming across key strategic sectors. He also called for stronger collaboration between BRIN, ministries, government agencies, and state-owned enterprises, including Danantara and Agrinas.
According to Arif, the President gave special attention to BRIN’s strategic partnership with Agrinas for food and maritime innovation.
“Agrinas must be a key partner in downstreaming, innovation, and research. Cutting-edge technologies must be provided to boost national food production. For the President, achieving true food self-sufficiency is non-negotiable,” Arif said.
Downstreaming efforts are not limited to rice and corn. President Prabowo also directed BRIN to expand its focus on strengthening national protein production.
As a follow-up, BRIN will establish a new research center dedicated to capture fisheries to boost sustainable protein output.
Boosting Strategic Industries and Strengthening Technological Sovereignty
Beyond the food sector, President Prabowo tasked BRIN with supporting major labor-intensive industries. While Indonesia has strong competitiveness in garments and footwear, he emphasized the need for greater autonomy in electronics and high-tech manufacturing.
Arif also reported that BRIN is preparing several innovations in the defense sector and will expand collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PT Pindad, and domestic automotive manufacturers to strengthen defense technology independence.
“The Maung tactical vehicle produced by Pindad will continue to be enhanced through advanced research and development,” Arif noted.
A Major Momentum for National Research Consolidation
Arif stated that President Prabowo’s directives mark a significant momentum for consolidating Indonesia’s national research and innovation ecosystem.
BRIN’s transformation is expected to serve as a strong foundation for accelerating economic growth driven by technology, downstreaming, and industrial self-reliance.
“This is an important moment to strengthen national research and innovation as pillars of Indonesia’s economic advancement,” Arif concluded. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel