Government Yet To Fully Optimize BPPT's Role: Legislator

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The government has yet to fully optimize the Assessment and Application of Technology Agency's (BPPT's) role, as Indonesia currently needs innovations in the field of technology to compete with other nations, a legislator stated.  
    
Mukhtar Tompo, a member of the House's Commission VII overseeing the energy sector, noted in a press statement here on Thursday that the BPPT was actually a "laboratory of ideas" for the government of Indonesia to make advancements in the field of technology.

However, Tompo said the government has yet to optimally develop the agency.

"The BPPT, on its 38th anniversary, should be recognized by the government as a laboratory of ideas. However, the agency has yet to receive its due recognition," Tompo remarked.

According to the legislator, BPPT has not received due recognition as the government has yet to include the agency in its grand design for the nation's development.

The legislator expressed discontent over the budget being slashed for the BPPT as the funds are necessary to conduct research. Moreover, he said the results of the agency's studies could be utilized by the National Development Planning Board and other relevant ministries to draw up a national development plan. (WDY)