Is it possible for a single institution to shape a nation’s future through science? Here at the National Research and Innovation Agency BRIN in Jakarta we find out. BRIN is Indonesia’s primary body for research and innovation. It plays a pivotal role in the nation’s scientific advancement.
The National Research and Innovation Agency was established on April 28 2021. This was a landmark moment for Indonesian science. BRIN was created to integrate and streamline research efforts across the country. Before BRIN, research was scattered across different ministries. This led to inefficiencies and overlapping projects.
BRIN’s creation wasn’t without controversy. Some viewed it as a “scientific merger company”. It subsumed pre-existing scientific agencies. Aswismarmo an Indonesian scholar described BRIN as a “holding research institution”. Laksana Tri Handoko BRIN’s chairman called it a “Research Mothership”.
BRIN’s history traces back to Presidential Decree No 38/2018. This decree outlined national research policies for sustainable development. Megawati Soekarnoputri suggested BRIN’s formation in 2019. She envisioned an agency to direct and support the national research ecosystem.
Law No 11 of 2019 laid the foundation for BRIN. BRIN became an independent agency directly under the President. This change occurred on April 28 2021. On August 23 2021 BRIN gained cabinet-level status.
The agency’s mandate is broad. It covers research development assessment application invention and innovation. It also handles nuclear power and aerospace activities. BRIN helps the President in governing these areas. It integrates national research efforts. BRIN also monitors and evaluates regional research.
BRIN has many functions. These include research policy creation talent management and infrastructure development. It also integrates planning programs budgets and resources. BRIN also oversees research related to traditional knowledge.
BRIN’s structure is complex. It includes a Steering Committee and an Executive body. Megawati Soekarnoputri chairs the Steering Committee. Sri Mulyani and Suharso Monoarfa serve as Vice Chairs. The Executive is led by the Head of BRIN.
BRIN’s organization includes various deputies. They oversee policy development human resources research infrastructure and innovation. There are also research organizations. These focus on areas like archaeology electronics energy health and space.
BRIN is also responsible for several secretariats. These support initiatives like the Indonesian Nuclear Agency and the Indonesian Space Agency. BRIN even has science attachés in Vienna.
Indonesia Space Agency INASA operates within BRIN. INASA focuses on space-related activities and policy. It coordinates space efforts but doesn’t conduct research itself.
Research organizations OR within BRIN conduct technical research. They function similarly to university departments. In 2022 there were 12 ORs and 85 Research Centers. These covered various fields of study.
BRIN’s initial budget for 2025 was Rp5.84 trillion. Through efficiency measures it was reduced to Rp4.41 trillion. This reflects the agency’s commitment to responsible spending.
The National Research and Innovation Agency BRIN. It stands as a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to science. As it continues to evolve BRIN promises to be a driving force. It will propel Indonesia towards a future shaped by innovation.