Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto has urged universities to strengthen applied research to address real-world challenges, particularly in supporting village self-reliance.
In a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday, Brian noted that partner villages can serve as spaces where universities conduct research while implementing innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
According to Brian, local communities must be actively involved in the empowerment process to ensure impactful programs.
“Research should not just stop in the classrooms, laboratories, or in academic journal papers. More than that, it’s about what we can develop and solve for the surrounding community,” the minister said.
Brian encouraged universities to get involved through applied research, the development of appropriate technologies, and the involvement of lecturers and students.
One initiative that could be developed is the thematic community service programs tailored to village needs, focusing on key areas such as energy, waste management, and water access.
The minister also emphasized the importance of strengthening local communities’ capacity to operate and maintain the applied technologies, including through training and certification programs for village youth.
“We must jointly empower villages,” Brian said.
As part of its Asta Cita (Eight Goals) framework, President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has initiated efforts to carry out development from the grassroots and village levels to tackle poverty and achieve equitable economic growth.
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia has 84,291 villages spread across 38 provinces.
One of the government’s initiatives to boost village development is the Red and White Village Cooperatives. Under the program, the government aims to have at least 30,000 village cooperatives fully operational by the end of 2026.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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