Prabowo eyes regular academic consultations for national progress

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto expressed his eagerness to meet regularly with rectors and professors to gather insights and recommendations on practical measures to advance Indonesia and improve people's welfare.

"I think even meeting with rectors four times is not enough. If necessary, we should meet every month," he said during the closing ceremony of the Indonesian Convention on Science, Technology, and Industry in Jakarta on Sunday.

Prabowo said rapid technological progress has made countries more interconnected than ever, increasing the likelihood that conflicts and challenges in other parts of the world could affect Indonesia.

Against this backdrop, he stressed the importance of incorporating perspectives from the academic community into the government's policymaking process.

He said that, as head of state, it is his responsibility to exchange ideas with intellectuals to identify the most appropriate solutions to the country's challenges.

The president demonstrated his openness to dialogue by listening to proposals and recommendations from rectors, lecturers, researchers, scientists, and academics attending the national convention.

Among the proposals presented were expanding access to doctoral scholarships for lecturers at both state and private universities, increasing research and innovation funding at state-owned enterprises, and strengthening partnerships between Indonesian universities and international institutions.

"I will promptly follow up on these suggestions because I believe we must have the courage to face difficulties, acknowledge them, and work hard to find solutions," Prabowo said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive public participation, pledging to pay equal attention to aspirations from all segments of society, including those shared online by children living in villages.

The convention, held from June 26 to 28, brought together about 2,600 academics under the theme "Strategies for Economic Independence and Indonesian Welfare."

The event featured symposiums and panel discussions focusing on agriculture, energy, economics and finance, food security, marine affairs and fisheries, downstream industrialization, and industrial development.

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Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

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