Lecturers Required To Undertake Scientific Research

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education has asked every lecturer to undertake scientific research, according to Professor Dewa Putu Widjana, the rector of Warmadewa University (Unwar).

"It is an absolute requirement for every lecturer in order to continue to follow a better career path," Widjana remarked here Saturday.

This effort is already regulated in the Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister`s Regulation No.44/2015 concerning the obligation of lecturers to conduct scientific research in order to become qualified academic counselors who are able to support the government`s efforts in building a better Indonesia in the future, he emphasized.

Therefore, he encouraged the lecturers in Unwar to undertake scientific research, because it is a requirement to teach and define their career.

Speaking at a seminar on "Rethinking Research: Policies and Practices," organized at the auditorium of the Indonesia Science Agency in Jakarta Wednesday, Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister M Nasir asked Indonesian researchers to publish the results of their study in such a way that these can be shared globally.

"Indonesian researchers are reluctant to submit the results of their studies in writing. The researchers often review these studies orally at seminars or conferences," the minister stated.

The minister asked the Indonesia Science Agency to develop research to meet the needs of corporate houses and industry.

Moreover, Minister Nasir hoped that researchers would improve the quality of their research so that it can be published in international journals.

There should be more emphasis on writing journals and conducting research in all fields, including engineering and cultural sciences.

At the seminar, a representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia, Joanne Sharpe noted the importance of a strong culture of research in Indonesia which was required to boost competitiveness and future economic growth.

Such research could lay the foundation for formulating the right policies for the Indonesian people, she stated.

"We are establishing relations between researchers in Indonesia and Australia," she said.

Investment in research and in enhancing its quality as much as possible would not have any impact if the results of the study failed to meet the society`s needs and are not used for the development of the country, Sharpe pointed out. (WDY)