Ministry of Research and Technology (Indonesia)

The Ministry of Research and Technology (Indonesia) (Indonesian: Kementerian Riset dan Teknologi Republik Indonesia), often abbreviated as Kemenristek, was a ministry of the Government of Indonesia responsible for research, science, and technology.

Responsibilities and Functions:

The Ministry was tasked with formulating and implementing policies in the field of research, science, and technology to support national development. Its specific functions generally included:

• Developing national policies and strategies for research and technology.
• Coordinating research and development activities across various sectors.
• Providing funding and support for research projects.
• Promoting innovation and technology transfer.
• Fostering collaboration between research institutions, universities, and industry.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of research and technology policies.
• Managing intellectual property rights related to research outputs.

History:

The organizational structure and specific responsibilities of the ministry have evolved over time, sometimes being combined with other portfolios such as higher education. The ministry has existed under various names throughout Indonesian history, reflecting the changing priorities and focus of the government.

Dissolution and Current Status:

In April 2021, the Ministry of Research and Technology was dissolved by President Joko Widodo, and its functions were merged into the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan), which was then renamed the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi). The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) subsequently became the primary research body in Indonesia, reporting directly to the President.