Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is prioritizing the development of satellite technology to strengthen disaster mitigation efforts in Indonesia while supporting maritime surveillance, food security monitoring, and other national strategic needs.

BRIN Head Arif Satria stated that satellite technology is among the agency's key research priorities due to its high strategic importance, strong performance potential, and significant benefits to society.

He made the statement during the launch of Rumah Inovasi Indonesia (RII) in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"We are developing satellites that are essential for disaster management, as well as for monitoring maritime areas, food conditions, and other purposes," Arif said.

According to him, satellite technology development is part of Indonesia's efforts to improve its capacity to monitor regional conditions and strengthen preparedness for potential disasters.

BRIN is also directing these technological advancements toward improving maritime and agricultural monitoring, both of which require reliable data and accurate regional information.

BRIN Prioritizes Research with High Societal Impact

Arif explained that satellite technology development falls under Quadrant II, a research category characterized by high strategic importance, strong performance, and substantial benefits for Indonesian society.

In addition to advanced technologies, BRIN is also prioritizing research involving relatively simple technologies that can deliver significant benefits to the public.

These initiatives fall under Quadrant IV, which is another key area of focus for the national research agency.

Arif acknowledged that BRIN's attention to relatively simple technologies has sometimes drawn criticism, with some questioning whether such research aligns with the development of advanced technologies.

However, he emphasized that technological sophistication is not the only factor in determining research priorities. The actual benefits that innovations can deliver to society are equally important.

"There are also technologies in Quadrant IV that are relatively simple but offer tremendous benefits. We are developing these as well. Some people criticize BRIN for focusing on simple technologies, but our priorities are not limited to technological complexity. What matters most is the impact. Therefore, Quadrants II and IV are both our priorities," Arif explained.

Through this approach, BRIN aims to ensure that research and innovation initiatives deliver tangible outcomes by focusing on both advanced technologies and practical solutions that address national needs.

BRIN Accelerates Malaria Vaccine Development

Beyond satellite technology, BRIN is also strengthening its research activities in the healthcare sector, particularly malaria vaccine development, in line with directives from President Prabowo Subianto.

Arif stated that accelerating malaria vaccine research is a major priority, as the process requires advanced technological capabilities and complex scientific research.

According to data from the Ministry of Health (MoH) cited in the report, approximately 95% of Indonesia's malaria cases, equivalent to 674,046 cases, are concentrated in the Tanah Papua region.

The high number of cases highlights the importance of developing healthcare technologies and innovative solutions to strengthen malaria prevention and treatment efforts across Indonesia.

"Many other technological developments are still needed. One of the President's latest directives is to accelerate efforts toward eliminating malaria through vaccine development, something that has not yet been achieved anywhere in the world. This is a major challenge that requires highly advanced technology to develop a vaccine within a shorter timeframe," Arif said.

He explained that vaccine development, which typically takes approximately five years, is expected to be accelerated to just two years.

This effort will involve strengthening research activities and leveraging technological advancements to support the vaccine development process.

BRIN considers malaria vaccine research a strategic healthcare priority that requires strong scientific expertise and advanced technological capabilities.

BRIN Encourages Universities to Advance Semiconductor Research

In the industrial technology sector, BRIN is also focusing on semiconductor development, which plays a crucial role in modern electronic devices and various advanced technologies.

Arif revealed that BRIN already operates a semiconductor research laboratory in Bandung.

He expressed hope that similar research facilities and initiatives could be established at universities, enabling more researchers and academics to contribute to semiconductor technology development.

The research agenda will also explore Indonesia's mineral resources to identify and develop new materials that could potentially be used in semiconductor manufacturing.

"In advancing sophisticated technologies, BRIN is also focusing on several areas, including semiconductors. We already have a laboratory in Bandung, and I would like universities to start conducting semiconductor research as well. This is an important field for discovering new materials that can serve as raw materials for semiconductors," Arif stated.

He emphasized that university participation is essential to expanding research activities and creating opportunities to discover materials with potential applications in semiconductor manufacturing.

By utilizing Indonesia's domestic mineral resources through research and innovation, BRIN hopes to strengthen the country's semiconductor technology development capabilities.

BRIN Strengthens Research to Address National Strategic Needs

Through these initiatives, BRIN is positioning satellite technology, high-impact research using simple technologies, malaria vaccine development, and semiconductor studies as key priorities within Indonesia's national innovation agenda.

Satellite technology development is intended to strengthen disaster mitigation and regional monitoring, while malaria vaccine research aims to address pressing public health challenges.

Meanwhile, expanding semiconductor research through greater university involvement and the utilization of Indonesia's mineral resources is expected to strengthen the country's capabilities in advanced technology development.

BRIN emphasized that research priorities should not be determined solely by technological sophistication but also by the tangible benefits they can deliver to society and national development.

Conclusion 

BRIN is strengthening Indonesia's national research and innovation capabilities by prioritizing satellite technology, malaria vaccine development, and semiconductor research. Through these initiatives, the agency aims to advance technological independence, improve disaster preparedness, address public health challenges, and support the development of strategic industries. By combining advanced research with practical innovations that deliver tangible benefits, BRIN seeks to accelerate Indonesia's progress toward a more competitive and technology-driven future.

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