During the visit, Fadel said that one of the topics of discussion in the state policy principles was related to the development of biosciences in Indonesia. In this case, the MPR intended to create a state policy principle that would last for 25 years.

Hence, the MPR asked for inputs from the members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) members, also from public figures and universities. Fadel explained that inputs from ITB would be the main substances for state policy principles related to future industrial and technological development.

"It turns out that this has been included in ITB’s 7 main programs. This is also the most related one to biotechnology development. Soon, ITB would support by providing the inputs in paper form to complete the MPR’s materials,” The 1978 alumnus of Engineering Physics ITB said.

The plan was well-welcomed by ITB. Rector of ITB Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D. mentioned that ITB had research centers and a Center of Excellence (PUI) of science and technology. One of which is the Research Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Thus the MPR expected ITB to come up with research results, papers, Academic Senate reports, and seminars about state policy principles which would be realized as government products.

"We will submit the academic draft soon. We will not start from scratch because we already have a study about biosciences and nanosciences. It just needs to be sharpened for national needs,” Prof. Reini said.

She continued that the state policy principles would be used in the long term. Therefore, beside the principal need and the topic selection, the most optimal direction of the state policy principles for Indonesia must be identified. “As already stated, we need to identify not only the research determination, but also the institutional goals and programs so that everything can be managed and maintained by the government," Prof. Reini emphasized.

When receiving the visit, the Rector of ITB was accompanied by the University Secretary of ITB Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Widjaja Martokusumo, the Head of the Partnership Bureau Prof. Taufiq Hidajat, and Expert Staff Dr. Sonny Yuliar. The visit was closed by giving souvenirs both from the Rector of ITB and the Deputy Chairperson of the MPR.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Zahra Annisa Fitri (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2019)