Research and service are the two important things that need to be a commitment to higher education institutions. The role of universities in strengthening research is to create innovations in the midst of the 4.0 industrial revolution. In addition, the role of universities in terms of research is to be able to solve problems in society through collaboration with various parties. But what is unfortunate is that universities in Indonesia are not optimal when conducting research.
This statement was given by Prof. Bambang Permadi Soemantri Brodjonegoro, SE, MUP, Ph.D., Minister of Research, Technology and Head of the National Innovation Research Agency of the Republic of Indonesia in his remarks at the National Consortium for the Institute for Research, Publication and Social Services of Muhammadiyah Higher Education (LPPM PTMA) on Tuesday (7 / 1) at the Harpe Hotel, Mangkubumi, Yogyakarta. “In general, in higher education institutions need to implement the tri dharma of tertiary institutions which include education, research and service. Higher education in Indonesia is still not optimal in conducting research activities, because they focus on education. Therefore, we really appreciate the consortium’s activities which strengthen the dharma of research and social services, “he said.
In addition, Bambang also said that there are several factors that influence the problem of strengthening and developing research in Indonesia. Among them are Lemlit accreditation institutions, research budgets, relevance and productivity, research management, and human resources. “When facing research problems in Indonesia, it is necessary for private sectors to take part in research, such as BUMN or companies. Research and Development (R&D) is a necessity for creating any innovation. When you have a research topic you have to think about, consider what benefits can be given to the community from the research. This is because people are waiting for the results of research conducted by universities and how the results of the research will be useful for them, “he explained.
Bambang also explained the importance of higher education for companies to conduct research that would later lead to innovation in accordance with the needs of the community and the market. “Higher education research should be aligned with market needs. It is important to conduct research collaborations with entrepreneurs or companies so that research results will later bring up research results that can be enjoyed by the public. Therefore, universities should be active and focus on R&D. The role of universities is related to the function of lecturers to change the research paradigm to the needs of companies or the private sector and to the needs of the community,” he explained.
“Research-based innovation can create a competing product, and to create the said product, focused research is needed to innovate. The role of innovation is to make the lives of the community better, increase their ability to compete, and to substitute for imported product. This is what makes research challenging,” he added.
The national consortium that was held until Wednesday (8/1) with the theme “Building a progressive civilization through ukhuwah going forward together and enlightening the nation” and was attended by 90 representatives of LPPM PTMA throughout Indonesia, with Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta as the host of the national LPPM PTMA consortium. This event is a gathering forum to discuss planned activities both at the national and regional levels in research, publications and community service activities. (Sofia)
