Prabowo to increase Indonesia's research funds to one percent of GDP

 President Prabowo Subianto is seeking to increase research funds for universities in Indonesia to one percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to support the revival of the national economy and industry.

"The president wants to improve the welfare of lecturers, including increasing research funds," Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto stated after a meeting between President Prabowo and rectors and leaders of state and private universities in Jakarta 

Looking at other countries, such as South Korea, which allocates four percent of its GDP for research purposes, Prabowo stressed the need to increase research funds in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, in 2024, Indonesia only allocated 0.3 percent of its GDP for research purposes.

However, Brian stated that the keenness to increase Indonesia’s research fund to one percent of the GDP cannot be realized in a short period.

“Later, this development (of research) can support technology-based industrialization to move rapidly,” the minister noted.

In his speech at the meeting between President Prabowo and the rectors, Brian emphasized the government's commitment to making universities centers for research and innovation to build national industrial independence.

"This is an important milestone in a joint effort to make universities a center for innovation and a producer of superior human resources. We want Indonesia to be on par with developed countries and escape the middle-income trap," Brian stated.

To support this vision, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has allocated Rp2 trillion for research purposes.

The funds came from the State Budget, the Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), and cooperation with industries.