The Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has allocated IDR 1.28 trillion in research funding to support more than 16,800 proposals submitted by 1,503 universities. The funding aims to foster a more focused and relevant research ecosystem.
Dr. M. Fauzan Adziman, Director General of Research and Development at the ministry, explained that the government is prioritizing the equitable distribution of research support.
“We are developing priority programs with a function of equalization,” said Dr. Adziman at the Innovation Forum: Harmonizing Innovation Downstreaming Grants 2025 held at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), on Friday (Sep. 26).
According to Dr. Adziman, the ministry has streamlined its research programs into two main categories: priority research and strategic research. Priority research will be funded primarily through the state budget, while strategic research focuses on projects with urgent and high-impact outcomes.
“We are identifying which research has the highest potential and which pressing issues require immediate solutions,” he explained.
UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, emphasized the importance of ensuring that research outputs and innovations go beyond publications and prototypes. They must also overcome the “innovation gap,” often referred to as the “valley of death.”
“This is the essence of downstreaming innovation: transforming science and technology into solutions with social, economic, and environmental impacts,” he said.
Dr. Hadmoko noted that the Innovation Forum is a vital momentum to align strategies. Various government grant schemes, such as the Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks Project (Prime STeP), the Matching Fund Program (PDP), and the Downstreaming of Priority Research program, have opened pathways for universities to advance further.
“These programs are strategic opportunities to strengthen the bridge between campus research and real-world needs,” he explained.
UGM Acting Director of Business Development, Professor Sang Kompiang, stated that this year, UGM has received innovation development grants, including the Technology Acceleration Grant (TimPakar) and the Matching Fund Program from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
In addition, the university also secured support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Innovation Development Grants, Synergy Grants, and Startup Grants.
“These two major programs are expected to support the growth of startup innovation and enhance global competitiveness,” said Professor Sang Kompiang.
He further highlighted the role of UGM’s Science Techno Park (STP UGM) as the driving force of the university’s innovation ecosystem.
Through its Technology Transfer Office and initiatives such as the Innovative Academy, STP UGM ensures that research results are nurtured from the laboratory to applications, in the form of licensing, collaborations, or startup development.
During the Innovation Forum, a ceremonial signing of cooperation agreements for Innovation Development Grants, Synergy Grants, and Startup Grants was also held.
The agreement was signed between Professor Sang Kompiang, Acting Director of Business Development/Head of IPMO, and Dr. Indra Bramanti, Professor Gede Bayu Suparta, and Astriani Dwi Aryaningtyas, with Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, as a witness.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian