Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Stella Christie PhD (second from left) explaining the relationship between science and policy in Indonesia and the role of women in it

ITS Campus, ITS News  — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) strengthens its commitment to supporting the nation’s progress through empowering women in science as a basis for producing a policy. This time, together with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Indonesia National Chapter, ITS invited experts to discuss with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Diktisaintek) of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Stella Christie PhD, Tuesday (27/5).

Through a workshop entitled Empowering Indonesian Women in Science for Policy which took place in the ITS Research and Technology Innovation Gallery (GRIT) Hall in the ITS Research Center Building, Stella emphasized the very important relationship between science and policy. This refers to the process of making and taking policies or decisions that must consider scientific values. “The policies taken must be built through real data sets and quantitative measurements,” she emphasized.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Stella Christie PhD (right) accompanied by Deputy Chancellor I of ITS Prof. Nurul Widiastuti PhD while reviewing a number of innovative research works in the ITS GRIT Hall

Stella explained that science in policy-making is not a tool, but a systematic method to compare data empirically. Because based on the experience recorded in each scientific data, it can help the policy-making process to be faster. “In addition, science can certainly help the presence of good policies that are in accordance with the needs of the community,” said the woman from Medan.

Of course, Stella continued, the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) strongly supports the presence of policies based on scientific values. Stella revealed that one of the efforts being made by Kemdiktisaintek to realize this commitment is the development of an Indonesian scientist data portal. “Through this data set, policy makers from the government to industry can get closer to experts in the required fields,” she said.

Continuing Stella’s presentation, President of OWSD Indonesia National Chapter Sri Fatmawati SSi MSc PhD also said that the development of science is also supported by existing policies. The woman who is familiarly called Fatma believes that the role of women is very necessary in facing the dynamics of the relationship between science and policy in Indonesia.

The ITS Chemistry Department lecturer also believes that the life and socio-cultural experiences brought by Indonesian women can enrich the understanding of solving problems in society. Both structural and cultural problems that exist in the ecosystem of science and policy in Indonesia. “Hopefully, women can bring changes to science and policy in Indonesia for the better in the future,” said one of the best female researchers in Indonesia.

President of OWSD Indonesia National Chapter Sri Fatmawati SSi MSc PhD when giving a presentation regarding the role of women in science and the development of OWSD in Indonesia

Fatma also emphasized that there needs to be real support for Indonesian women such as research opportunities and self-development. Achieving this will create women who are able to bridge science with humanity, innovation, and social values. So that science that is able to support the decision-making process can be produced.

Supporting the empowerment of women in science for policy in Indonesia, Vice Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs of ITS Prof. Nurul Widiastuti SSi MSi PhD warmly welcomed this event. Nurul emphasized that this activity is in line with ITS’s commitment as a technology-based higher institution that supports inclusivity in science. “Organizations such as OWSD are important in encouraging the participation of female scientists in science,” she emphasized.

The workshop also presented three experts as speakers. Among others were the Director of Dissemination and Utilization of Science and Technology, Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and Culture, Prof. Dr. Eng. Yudi Darma, MSi, who provided material related to collaborative approaches to inclusive science policies.

In addition, Visiting Senior Fellow ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Dr Yanuar Nugroho who delivered material on science for policy and effective science communication. And member of the European Parliament Dr Markus Prutsch with material on European experiences in the EU science consultation mechanism and women’s involvement.

Through this activity, ITS and OWSD Indonesia National Chapter succeeded in presenting an open discussion space between academic knowledge and the real needs of society. On the other hand, it is hoped that the role of women in science can present policies that are careful, fair, inclusive, data-based, and beneficial to the nation. In addition, this event also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through point 4 on Quality Education and point 5 on Gender Equality. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Ahmad Naufal Ilham
Translator : Devinka Mutianeira