President Prabowo Attends National Convention on Science, Technology, and Industry

President Prabowo Subianto participated in the National Deliberation, a key event within the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) 2026, held at the Jakarta Convention Center. The President arrived on Friday afternoon and was accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, along with several ministers including the Minister of State Secretary, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

The National Deliberation serves as a platform for dialogue among government officials, academic institutions, and various stakeholders. Its primary objective is to discuss priority issues crucial for achieving economic independence and enhancing public welfare across Indonesia. The convention drew a significant attendance of 2,600 rectors, deans, and lecturers from both public and private universities nationwide.

Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, emphasized the critical role of higher education, science, technology, research, and innovation in supporting public policy. He stressed that robust research is essential for developing effective policies that benefit society. Yuliarto highlighted the convention's goal to encourage universities to collaborate with the government and industry, producing research and innovations that tackle real-world problems in seven key development areas.

Brian further explained that the outcomes of university research and innovation should yield tangible social and economic benefits for local communities. He believes that when universities provide solutions tailored to their regions, it strengthens the foundation for national independence and welfare. The Minister also underscored that economic independence requires an integrated approach, connecting various sectors such as economy, food, energy, industry, and education, rather than operating in silos. The forum aims to gather data-driven and science-based input for more cohesive policymaking. The convention focused on seven priority areas: economy and finance, agriculture, energy, industrial downstreaming, marine and fisheries, food security, and education. The expected outcomes include an objective issue mapping, substantive policy recommendations, and a clear collaboration agenda among government, universities, industry, regional governments, and the public.