Minister of Research and Technology, Bambang Brodjonegoro: Pandemic has triggered many innovations
Nino Eka Putra ~ PR of FEB UI
DEPOK – (14/11/2020)
The Minister of Research and Technology / Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency as well as Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (FEB UI), Prof. Bambang PS Brodjonegoro, Ph.D., in a special interview published by Kompas Daily, entitled “Menristek: Pandemic Triggers Many Innovations”. Here’s the article.
“Minister of Research and Technology: Pandemic Triggers Many Innovations”
The Covid-19 pandemic has made Indonesia increasingly aware not to continue to depend on other countries. When the rest of the world has the same interests, for example ventilators and personal protective equipment, it made Indonesia at the beginning of the pandemic struggle to meet those needs.
The independence of the nation in accessing the basic needs of its people is non-negotiable. Accelerating innovation through cross-sector collaboration is absolutely necessary to make this happen.
“Many innovations have actually emerged because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone wants to provide solutions through innovation to solve the nation’s problems. The pandemic has also shown that Indonesian scientists and researchers can meet innovation targets in a short time. The relationship between researchers and industry is getting better,” said Minister of Research and Technology / Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency, Bambang PS Brodjonegoro.
Following are excerpts of the interview with Bambang PS Brodjonegoro virtually, Thursday (12/11/2020).
Is the current focus of innovation only related to Covid-19?
Of course not. There are at least two ongoing focus of innovation, namely innovation based on National research priorities (PRN) and innovation that is situational in nature, such as related to Covid-19. An example of PRN is a red and white catalyst that can convert palm kernel oil into biofuels. Meanwhile, those related to Covid-19, such as ventilators, immunomodulators, and also the Covid-19 vaccine.
Regarding the Red and White vaccine for Covid-19, how is it being developed?
The Red and White Vaccine can be defined as a vaccine that is researched and developed in Indonesia by using a virus isolated in Indonesia and is also carried out by Indonesians. The production will also be carried out by factories in Indonesia.
Now there are six vaccine developers in Indonesia. Of these six, three are the fastest, namely the Eijkman Institute (Molecular Biology), Universitas Indonesia, and Airlangga University.
The three of them are estimated to be able to transfer vaccine cultures in the first quarter of 2021 to factories or producers. Then, vaccination can start to be carried out in the IV quarter of 2021.
Currently, the appointed producer is PT Bio Farma, which will be supported by five private companies. The companies include Kalbe Farma, Sanbe Farma, Daewoong Infion, Biotis, and Tempo Scan. This private involvement is estimated to support the fulfillment of the number of vaccines to achieve herd immunity, which is estimated to need 360 million doses for 180 million people.
The Red and White Vaccine will also be used to prepare for re-vaccination or booster shots.
How to ensure the safety of the product innovation?
All innovations carried out are of course based on applicable safety studies and standards. All study procedures were carried out. For example, in the development of a ventilator, it is still submitted to the BPFK (Health Facility Security Agency). Immunomodulators or specific supplements for Covid-19 are also still being tested by the POM (Food and Drug Administration). There were no cutting corners on all the necessary procedures, but they were just hastened. So, although the process is faster, this will not sacrifice safety and efficacy.
What is the road map for future innovation development?
We follow the National master plan until 2045. Then, we translate it in five years. In the past five years, there are nine main areas that have become the focus of research development, such as in the fields of food, energy and health. Of the nine fields, 49 products will be produced.
How to ensure sustainable financing for innovation and research in Indonesia?
First, by increasing the government budget. However, under current conditions, of course we cannot ask for additional budgets except for those related to vaccines. Second, by making endowments more effective.
Third, by involving the private sector in the field of research and development (RnD). To encourage this, the government has issued Regulation of the Minister of Finance Number 153 of 2020 concerning super tax deductions of up to 300 percent. The hope is that this can trigger companies to further increase investment in the RnD sector. (hjtp)
Source: Kompas Daily. Edition: Saturday, November 14, 2020. Special Interview Column. Page 1 continues to Page 15.
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