Surabaya (ANTARA) – The 2026 Indonesian Convention on Science, Technology, and Industry (KSTI) event was officially opened on Wednesday as a platform to harness science, technology, and innovation in driving economic growth and improve public welfare.
Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto explained the convention stemmed from President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of establishing a forum to showcase research outcomes and technological advancements.
“Together, we will discuss and exchange research results and technology in order to direct research projects in universities or research institutes toward addressing actual problems and supporting national priority programs,” Yuliarto said during the opening ceremony in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday.
He described KSTI as a forum to bring together universities, industry players, and research institutions to promote the use of research and innovation outcomes as instruments of national development.
“In this way, research and innovation will deliver impact for society,” he added.
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Director General of Research and Development at the ministry, Fauzan Adziman, said the event was expected to draw 3,000 participants from across the country, including university leaders, representatives of academic senates and professors’ forums, lecturers, inventors, and researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Adziman said KSTI would involve 200 professors from nine universities in East Java, 75 industry and regional government representatives, and 100 participants from tertiary education institutions.
Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Rector Bambang Pramujati emphasized that national progress should be measured by the ability to translate academic and research outcomes into solutions to public challenges and societal needs.
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“The 2026 KSTI represents a venue to gather researchers, academics, governments, industries, and other stakeholders, aligning them to build collaboration and identify solutions for Indonesia,” Pramujati said.
Hosted by the ITS, the convention carries a theme of “Strategies for Indonesia’s Economic Independence and Welfare” and will run through November 13.
In addition to the Higher Education Ministry, the 2026 KSTI is supported by the Education Endowment Fund (LPDP) under the Finance Ministry, the Asian Development Bank, and other ministries, agencies, and industry partners.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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