Menko Luhut Challenges ITB: Develop Industry Policy in 2 Weeks

Bandung, INTI - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut B. Pandjaitan has issued a significant challenge to the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to conduct in-depth research on industry policy within a short timeframe of just two weeks. This challenge was conveyed by Menko Luhut during the inauguration of the China-Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory for New Energy and Metallurgical Engineering Technology at ITB on Wednesday (28/08/2024).

In his speech, Menko Luhut emphasized the importance of ITB's role in advancing research in Indonesia, particularly in the field of industry policy that can support the development of the government’s e-catalog, which currently includes over 8.8 million items.

“The laboratory is ready with competent human resources. Now, it’s up to ITB to start research that looks forward, including collaboration with Central South University in China to achieve optimal results,” said Menko Luhut.

Menko Luhut challenged ITB to assist the government by creating industry policies that align with the needs of the e-catalog, which is part of the government's performance worth more than 3500 trillion rupiahs. “I’m giving you two weeks to conduct this study, and the results must be brought to Jakarta for a presentation,” he emphasized.

Additionally, Menko Luhut revealed that he had coordinated with the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkumham) Supratman Andi Agtas, and the Ministry is ready to accept the registration of the research results. In the future, a special research area will be established in Morowali to provide incentives and ease for researchers conducting studies there.

Menko Luhut hopes that ITB will not only function as an educational institution but also become a leading research center in Indonesia. “ITB should be able to transform itself into a research center that excels,” he added.

At the same event, ITB Rector Reini Wirahadikusumah expressed her belief that this partnership would open up strategic opportunities for knowledge exchange, particularly in research and technology development. She also stated that this collaboration would benefit not only ITB but also the wider community.

“We are confident that this cooperation will have a significant impact, not just for ITB but for the advancement of West Java and Indonesia as a whole,” said Reini.