Indonesian Science Preface

PREFACE

This consultative edition of the SAINS 2045: the Indonesian Science Agenda Towards A Century of Independence is the brainchild and creation of young Indonesian scientists. They strive to remain actively employed in their field and contribute their best for this country, despite their anxiety over provision of state support to fund their continued research excellence.

They have attended various events held by the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) Frontiers of Science program, such as the Wallacea Young Scientists Conference in Ternate (2010); Indonesian-American Kavli Frontiers of Science Symposium (Bogor, 2011; Surakarta, 2012; Bali, 2013; Medan 2014); and Frontiers of Social Sciences Symposium, Lombok (2013). The young scientists participating in these activities were selected for their research excellence on completion
of their doctoral programs, their ongoing research and publication of scientific work and being aged under

45. Essentially these young Indonesian scientists have proven themselves as our potential leaders in the scientific world of the future. The 160 plus alumni of these Frontiers of Science symposia are linked in an impressive network of young scientists. They ask: what can we expect from working as scientists in Indonesia? A painful question to consider.

Most of these pearls – these young scientist participants in the AIPI Frontiers of Science program – completed their doctoral programs in developed countries. Many of them could easily work abroad but have chosen to remain in Indonesia, contributing their work for the nation and country. Some of them have even succeeded in maintaining one foot in an overseas research institute. But the reality they face in Indonesia is a deterrent to their enthusiasm.

Their major concern is the lack of a research-funding scheme to enable their future achievements as scientists. They crave a competitive, excellence-in-science research support scheme with a streamlined reporting system and guaranteed multi-year funding. However, a more basic concern exists, namely the lack of a local scientific culture to inspire them, perhaps due to the neglect of fundamental research here over the years.

In response to this challenge AIPI issued the report, Creating an Indonesian Science Fund, with the support of the World Bank and AusAid. However, this alone was not sufficient. The crucial role of young scientists in generating enthusiasm and helping to build a vibrant scientific culture in Indonesia must be prioritised. This Indonesian Science Agenda is their answer, the manifestation of their dreams for the development of scientific activities in Indonesia based on curiosity about the natural phenomena that surround us. This agenda contains fundamental research questions culled from various disciplines that constitute challenges for Indonesia. Answering these questions is not only vital to tackle the various challenges facing Indonesia, but also to raise Indonesia’s overall scientific expertise and competitiveness in the world of science.

The Preamble of the Indonesian Science Agenda explains why and how the agenda was drafted and for whom it is intended. It speaks plainly and with vision and needs no additional commentary. However, the work of these young Indonesian scientists could not be realised without the support of many parties. AIPI

is fortunate to have as partners, the young scientist AAAS fellows at USAID Indonesia, who from the very beginning knew and believed in the importance of empowering young Indonesian scientists. AIPI would like to thank USAID Indonesia and the US National Academy of Science for their financial support of the drafting of the Indonesian Science Agenda by the AIPI young scientists network. A grant from the Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia helped advance this activity, together with the holding of several Young Indonesian Scientists Forums.

We would to also thank the Knowledge Sector Initiative of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose support allowed us to organize an enrichment visit to Australia by the agenda’s study committee and their support for the launch of this Indonesian Science Agenda consultative edition.

 Lastly and above all, AIPI would like to thank the over 160 young scientists who inspired the conception of this agenda. Some directly contributed to the content of the agenda through Young Scientists Forums; others did so through an internal review of various questions. The AIPI would particularly like to thank the 17 members of the agenda’s study committee, who have worked tirelessly for over a year, from designing the initial program, ensuring the agenda is free from vested interests, gathering the initial questions through the Young Scientists Forums, and classifying them into eight clusters, as well as meeting almost every month to develop the initial concepts through various stages until the final draft.

It was only through the strong will and commitment of the AIPI Director of Studies, editor, writer and media relation staff, and other support staff that this consultative edition of the SAINS 2045: the Indonesian Science Agenda Towards A Century of Independence could be completed in a timely manner, and for that we are truly grateful. We would like to thank the Tempo Institute for its assistance in editing the work and Kompas for supplying us with the photographic imagery. This splendid cooperation will remain vital in the final editing of this consultative agenda.