VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Photo Archive. Researchers are working to develop a Red and White vaccine to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic at Bio Farma, Bandung, West Java, Wednesday (12/8/2020). ANTARA FOTO/Dhemas Reviyanto/wsj.

Research and Technology Minister/ National Research and Innovation Agency Head Bambang P. S. Brodjonegoro affirmed that research on vaccines and COVID-19 drugs was included in the national research priorities for the 2020-2024 period.

"For tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, we should immediately put in place a vaccine apart from OMAI, or original Indonesian modern medicine, both phyto-pharmacy and standardized herbal medicines (OHT), including supplements that are currently being tested by LIPI at the Wisma Atlet Hospital," he noted in Jakarta, Thursday, during a virtual press conference to discuss national research priorities.

Brodjonegoro affirmed that the 2020-2024 national research priorities currently also encompass research and development of medical devices that earlier garnered less attention.

The government is making changes in the structure of the 2020-2024 national research priorities, including research on the prevention of COVID-19.

"Of course, medical devices should not be forgotten since they received less attention in the early national research priorities. However, with requirements emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that Indonesia must start innovating to develop various types of medical devices required by society, in general," Brodjonegoro noted.

Changes in the 2020-2024 national research priorities also encompass research on the development of short- and medium-range passenger aircraft in addition to the N219 aircraft as well as the development of N245 and R80 aircraft.

In addition, the technology to develop flat plate ships for fishermen is also included in national research priorities.

The 2020-2024 national research priorities include 49 research products, with attention to food, energy, health, transportation, engineering, defense and security, maritime affairs, social humanities, education, cultural arts, and multi-disciplinary, or cross-sectoral.

Four of the 49 national research priorities developed by the Ministry of Research and Technology/BRIN and in the process of entering into national strategic projects comprise red and white catalysts, integrated industrial salt, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or Medium Altitude Long Endurance (PUNA MALE) type named the Black Eagle, and the N219 amphibious aircraft. (ANTARA)