IO – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Laksana Tri Handoko have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research and innovation, as well as utilization, in supporting national defense, witnessed at the Defense Ministry Building, Jakarta, Wednesday (3/2/2022).
As a first strategic step, this cooperative agreement can result in innovative research and development in the defense sector, opined MoD Prabowo. Thus, this collaboration will require a concrete follow-up. “The future of the nation is in the hands of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians,” he said.
MoD Prabowo sees Indonesia’s strong defense going hand in hand with robust technology. “Our defense is strong because of advanced technology. Therefore, we initiated cooperation with BRIN. This is the advent of a breakthrough,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Laksana Tri Handoko assured BRIN’s readiness to support research and development in StateOwned Enterprise (BUMN) defense industry holdings. This collaboration stands as the inception of many potential avenues that the Defense Ministry and BRIN can profitably explore.
Another cooperative agreement on research and development in the defense sector between the Defense Ministry and BRIN signed on that occasion concluded an agreement with the Head of Research and Development of the Defense Ministry Air Vice Marshal Julexi Tambayong and the Acting Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilization of BRIN Mego Pinandito.
MoD Prabowo has been reiterating that scientists are the spearheads in building a nation. Hence, the role of academics in the advancement of technology becomes crucial, particularly in terms of strengthening national defense.
“The economy will be strong if the industry is solid. Our industry is strong if our technology is robust. Our defense will be powerful if our technology is advanced, and the country will be strong if the defense is fierce,” said MoD Prabowo.
“So, this is all a cycle. If the economy is strong, the industry must be potent. The industry needs technology. Technology will produce a sturdy defense. The powerful defense will ensure a strong and prosperous country,” stressed MoD Prabowo. (eka)