New BRIN Chief Pledges to Strengthen Research Capacity

Commitment to Research Enhancement

Arif Satria, the newly appointed Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has committed to enhancing Indonesia's research capabilities. Following his inauguration by President Prabowo Subianto on November 10, 2025, Arif emphasized the need to increase the number of researchers in Indonesia. He highlighted that a country's research strength is determined by five critical factors: the quantity and quality of researchers, research funding, infrastructure, and a supportive research ecosystem.

Current Research Landscape in Indonesia

According to Arif, Indonesia is currently lagging behind other Asian countries in terms of the number of researchers. This gap underscores the need for strategic improvements in talent management within the research sector. Arif's commitment to addressing this issue signals a potential shift in how Indonesia approaches research and innovation.

Future Research Directions

With Arif at the helm of BRIN, the focus is expected to be on building a more robust research infrastructure. This includes not only increasing the number of researchers but also ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to conduct high-quality research. The success of these initiatives could have significant implications for Indonesia's innovation landscape and its ability to compete regionally.