Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Puan Maharani, expected the science and technology communities in Indonesia would form a synergy to advance the developments in the nation. The celebration of National Technology Awakening Day (HAKTEKNAS) every year can be used optimally to meet that goal.
“Don’t just stop at hosting a ceremony, but go along the development of the era, moreover that this year we launch the Year of Indonesian Innovation,” said Minister Puan during the opening of the 21th HAKTEKNAS events in Manahan stadium, Solo, on Wednesday (10/8).
Afterwards, Minister Puan accompanied by Research, Technology, and Higher Learning Minister, M. Nasir, and Health Minister, Nila Djuwita F. Moeloek, visited the booth of UGM that showcased the INA SHUNT device for hydrocephalus patients, as well as Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph.D., said through the exhibition at HAKTEKNAS, UGM could introduce various health devices that had been developed independently. She hoped there would be government real policy to advance innovative products, especially for health area from UGM.
“We surely need the support from the government related to the policy in order that we can produce health products for society,” she said.
Director General for Science and Technology Resources, Prof. Dr. Ali Ghufron Mukti, M.Sc., Ph.D., reaffirmed the government commitment in the development of innovation and research at higher learning institutions. For example, the budget from government for health innovation development at UGM reaches 12 billions.
“Hopefully, the product and innovation that are produced can benefit the society and we no longer do importing,” said Ghufron.