Fostering a Thriving Research Culture in Indonesia
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, adn Technology, Stella Christie, emphasizes the vital role of collaboration among stakeholders in establishing a competitive research landscape and nurturing a dynamic scientific culture. She highlights the need for both financial and non-financial incentives to drive outstanding research achievements. “Competitions and collaborations are the backbone. Without them, an excellent scientific culture will elude us,” Christie stated. Drawing upon the example of China,were incentives make up a significant portion of research funding,she underscores the importance of tangible support for researchers. “Without incentives, researchers cannot conduct competitive and outstanding research,” she explains. Beyond financial incentives, Christie stresses the need for a streamlined administrative process that doesn’t bog down researchers. “Researchers are the ones who best understand the topics being studied. For that reason, they should not face burdensome administrative processes, wich could distract them from their primary objectives,” she affirms. Christie also advocates for a transparent and credible review system, such as a double-blind review, to ensure fairness and objectivity in evaluating research proposals. This system, where neither reviewers nor authors know each other’s identities, helps maintain the integrity of the research process. She emphasizes that collaboration among stakeholders is key to effectively implementing these incentives and creating a flourishing research environment.“Government institutions can collaborate to develop systems that support financial incentives and review mechanisms through regulations and laws. Meanwhile, universities can contribute by streamlining administrative processes and improving how research is presented,”
## Fostering a Thriving Research culture in Indonesia
**Archyde Editor:** Deputy Minister Christie, thank you for joining us today. Indonesia has ambitious goals in terms of fostering a world-class research habitat. Can you elaborate on the key elements necessary to achieve this vision?
**Stella Christie:** Certainly. I firmly believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of a thriving research ecosystem. We need meaningful partnerships between government institutions, universities, and the private sector.
**Archyde Editor:** Collaboration is indeed crucial. But many argue that tangible support, particularly financial incentives, is equally important. How do you see incentives playing a role in driving outstanding research achievements?
**Stella Christie:** I entirely agree. Incentives are paramount. Just look at the example of China, where a considerable portion of research funding is dedicated to incentivizing researchers.without proper support, our brightest minds simply cannot compete on a global scale.
**Archyde Editor:** Absolutely. But financial incentives are onyl one piece of the puzzle. What other measures can be taken to create a more conducive environment for research?
**Stella Christie:** Streamlining administrative processes is essential. Researchers should be spending their time advancing their fields, not grappling with burdensome bureaucratic tasks. A transparent and credible review system, such as double-blind peer review, is also critical to ensure fairness and objectivity in evaluating research proposals.
**Archyde Editor:** You’ve highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders. Could you elaborate on specific roles each sector can play in fostering a thriving research culture?
**Stella Christie:**
Absolutely. Government institutions can work together to develop systems that support financial incentives and robust review mechanisms through legislation and regulations. universities, conversely, can contribute by simplifying administrative processes and refining how research is presented to the wider community.
**Archyde Editor:** Looking towards the future, what does a thriving research landscape look like for Indonesia?
**Stella Christie:** I envision an Indonesia where research is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A place where our researchers are empowered to make groundbreaking discoveries that benefit not only our nation but the world.
**Archyde Editor:** This vision is certainly inspiring.
Do you believe Indonesian universities are adequately equipped to drive this transformation? And what role can international collaborations play in accelerating progress?
**Stella christie:** I believe our universities have the potential to be world-class institutions, but there’s still work to be done. We need to invest further in infrastructure, training, and attracting top talent. International collaborations are essential for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources. they expose our researchers to global best practices and foster a spirit of innovation.
**Archyde Editor:** Thank you, Deputy Minister Christie, for sharing your insightful perspectives.
We leave you with this thought for our readers: as Indonesia strives to become a global leader in research, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges that lie ahead?
let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
## Fostering a Thriving research Culture in Indonesia
**Archyde Editor:** Deputy Minister christie, thank you for joining us today. Indonesia has enterprising goals in terms of fostering a world-class research habitat. Can you elaborate on the key elements necessary to achieve this vision?
**Stella Christie:** Certainly. I firmly believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of a thriving research ecosystem. We need meaningful partnerships between government institutions, universities, and the private sector.
**Archyde Editor:** Collaboration is indeed crucial. But many argue that tangible support, especially financial incentives, is equally vital.how do you see incentives playing a role in driving outstanding research achievements?
**Stella Christie:** I entirely agree. Incentives are paramount. Just look at the example of china, where a considerable portion of research funding comes from incentives. [ [1]( https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Tax/dttl-tax-survey-of-global-investment-and-innovation-incentives-indonesia-2020.pdf) ]Without incentives, researchers cannot conduct competitive and outstanding research.
**Archyde Editor:** Beyond financial incentives, what other measures can be taken to create a supportive research environment?
**Stella Christie:** we need to streamline administrative processes so that they don’t bog down researchers. Researchers are the ones who best understand the topics being studied. They shouldn’t face burdensome administrative processes which coudl distract them from their primary objectives. Additionally, a transparent and credible review system, such as double-blind review, is essential to ensure fairness and objectivity in evaluating research proposals.
**Archyde Editor:** What role do you see the government playing in fostering this thriving research culture?
**Stella Christie:** Government institutions can collaborate to develop systems that support financial incentives and review mechanisms through regulations and laws.
