Indonesia's progress hinges on regional innovation: BRIN chief

hartono · Feb 25, 2026

National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy (left) and Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria during the launch of the 2025 Regional Competitiveness Index (IDSD) in Jakarta on Tuesday (Feb. 24, 2026). ANTARA/Sean Filo Muhamad

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia must strengthen regional innovation capacity to enhance national competitiveness and achieve its 2045 development ambitions, the head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said on Tuesday.

BRIN Chief Arif Satria called on regional leaders to intensify efforts to generate innovation in their respective areas, saying local breakthroughs would be critical to supporting Indonesia’s transformation toward its centenary “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision.

“BRIN and regional administrations share responsibility for strengthening competitiveness and innovation across all regions,” Satria said at the launch of the 2025 Regional Competitiveness Index (IDSD) in Jakarta.

He said BRIN was ready to advance the innovation agenda by mobilizing its regional offices and working with local development, research and innovation agencies nationwide.

According to Satria, optimizing the potential of local innovation bodies requires strong coordination between central and regional governments, as well as among local administrations, to ensure practical and timely implementation.

“Innovation may originate in the regions, but the central government can also provide innovations to be applied locally,” he said.

Satria stressed that achieving national transformation demands alignment between long-term vision and concrete execution.

“We cannot stop at vision. It must be translated into strategy and implemented. That is the essence of transformation,” he said.

National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy echoed the message, saying regional competitiveness depends largely on productivity, infrastructure, human and natural resources, and innovation capacity.

He said innovation and effective governance are fundamental to accelerating development, particularly as Indonesia seeks to narrow regional disparities.

“Equitable access to innovation and technology, including in the most remote regions, is essential,” Pambudy said.

The government has set 2045 — marking 100 years of independence — as a milestone for becoming a developed and competitive economy.

Officials say stronger regional performance will be crucial to meeting that target.