YOGYAKARTA – Technology command is a must if the nation wants to be sovereign. Technology, however, cannot be working on its own as it needs political support. "In order that we can catch up with others, the willingness of political players to support technology development is required,” said Dean of Faculty of Technology of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng, on Friday (13/12), in relation to the national congress entitled Energy Sovereignty for the Welfare of Indonesian People at the Senate Hall of UGM from 16-17 December 2013.
Indonesia cannot catch up with other more advanced countries in technology, he expressed his views. “Therefore, we have to do what had been done by Japan and Korea, for example, by doing reverse technology, imitating technology products that had been developed or produced by other more advanced countries,” he said.
That way, Panut is optimistic Indonesia would be able to be sovereign more quickly in terms of technology. “I think ten to fifteen year’s time is an adequate duration if we are to do reverse technology. Of course, it should be supported by a smart system,” he said.
Committee chairman of the congress, Dr. Adhika Widyaparaga, said that the event as part of a series of events of UGM’s 64th anniversary, would invite Minister for National Planning, Prof. Dr. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, S.E., M.A., as keynote speaker. Other speakers are Executive Director of Iraq Energy Institute, Dr Luay Jawad Al-Khatteeb. “The congress is meant as a forum for discussion of various academic elements, industry, government and society in finding the best solution to ensure the availability of energy supply in Indonesia,” said Adhika.