REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SERPONG -- Research, technology, and education in Indonesia should take into account future trends, according to Vice President Jusuf M. Kalla.

"When we discuss about research and education as well as technology, we talk about the future," Kalla noted while speaking before participants of the National Working Meeting of the Research, Technology, and Higher Education Ministry here on Monday.

The difference between a museum and higher education is that the former reflects the past, while the latter talks about the future.

He remarked that research and technology are crucial to responding to future problems.

Institutions engaged in the research and development of technologies must not merely complain about costs and budget allocation, which is smaller compared to those in neighboring countries.

Despite the limited budget, they must be able to produce something, he added.

Research, Technology, and Higher Education Minister M. Nasir reported that the integration of research, technology, and higher education has been carried out since 2014 and has yielded results.

One of the indicators is the increase in the number of patent applications internationally.

The minister hoped that research and technology would transform national development as the country is entering the era of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

"Research must be down to earth and take into account the public's needs as well as produce something, which is relevant," he emphasized.

In the meantime, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had earlier urged universities in Indonesia to undertake downstream research to help address the needs of the public in the new competitive era.

"Universities must take up downstream research, so that the people can enjoy the results in this competitive era," President Jokowi remarked while inaugurating the 2016 National Conference of the Indonesian Rector Forum at the State University of Yogyakarta on Friday (Jan. 30).

Speaking before hundreds of rectors from several universities, the president pointed out that downstream research should contribute to the development of the surrounding areas and not solely to meet the internal goals of the campus.

He suggested that universities can cooperate with the government and private sector in order to support development and conduct such research.

According to the president, the universities must take up research that can benefit the nation. The universities must also help to improve the competitiveness of the people.

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