INDONESIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (AKADEMI ILMU PENGETAHUAN INDONESIA – AIPI)
Answers To Some Common Questions
The Indonesian Academy of Sciences, which was established by Law of the Republic of Indonesia (No.8/1990), as an independent institution:
– Provide opinions, suggestions and considerations on matters related to science and technology to the Government and the public .
– Encouraging the development of science and its excellence through scientific conferences and policy discussion forums, publications, as well as national and international relations.
What is the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI)?
AIPI is an independent organization that brings together Indonesia’s leading scientists. Although its establishment was only legislated in 1990, the importance of the existence of a national “academy of science” has been felt since the beginning of Indonesian independence. The Academy of Sciences is a tool of the nation’s civilization. From 1928, for example, there was a Natuurwetenschappelijke Raad voor Nederlandsch-Indie (Science Council of the Netherlands-Indies) which functioned as the Dutch East Indies academy of science; its members are also members of the Dutch academy of sciences (Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen; KNAW) founded in 1808.
In 1956 the Indonesian Science Council (MIPI) was founded as the forerunner of AIPI, with the task of guiding the development of science in Indonesia, and giving advice to the government in matters of science policy. In its development, MIPI changed its function to become a research institute, and was merged with the National Research Institute as the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in 1967.
Who are AIPI Members?
AIPI members are prominent Indonesian scientists selected based on their track record of scientific excellence, according to the provisions of the AIPI founding law. AIPI membership is the highest honorary recognition in the field of science and technology in Indonesia. The first time, AIPI members were chosen by the Minister of Research and Technology (B.J. Habibie), the Minister of Education and Culture (Fuad Hasan) and the Chairman of LIPI (Samaun Samadikun) at that time. After that, new Members are selected by the AIPI Plenary Session from the proposed candidates, appointed if approved by at least two-thirds of the members, and approved by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. Currently AIPI has 61 members, which are divided into five science commissions: Basic, Medical, Engineering, Social and Cultural.
How does AIPI Stimulate the Development of Science?
As an academy of science, AIPI spurs the development of science in Indonesia through various efforts. AIPI held important scientific meetings, such as in highlighting the role of Alfred Russel Wallace and Indonesia’s observations of biodiversity towards the birth of the theory of evolution and modern biographical science. Periodically, AIPI commissions hold scientific meetings in their respective fields.
AIPI empowers young Indonesian scientists through various activities, notably the Indonesian-American Kavli Frontiers of Science Symposium, in collaboration with the United States academy of sciences (National Academy of Science). Together with the Dutch Academy of Sciences KNAW, AIPI supports the placement of Indonesian Academy Professors in several universities.
To spur the development of scientific excellence, AIPI initiated the formation of funds for research grants that are awarded based on merit excellence competitions so that scientists in Indonesia can carry out more meaningful and fundamental research, on an ongoing basis.
What About Science Policy Advocacy?
AIPI provides policy advocacy based on and on science through AIPI’s Views, such as on Human Cloning Technologies which underpinned Indonesia’s position at the United Nations in the 2000s, and on Utilization of Pathogen Genome Data for Emerging Diseases related to the threat of bird flu.
AIPI has developed the ability to provide in-depth policy advocacy in the form of consensus reports through collaboration, such as on Reducing Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Indonesia with the US National Academy of Science. A report from an academy of science has the advantage of being independent, prepared by the best team of scientists that can be gathered, and free from conflict of interest.
Policy Direction:
– Strengthen capabilities and expand AIPI’s role in providing science based policy advice
– Strengthening AIPI’s face to the wider community
– Expanding AIPI’s strength base by involving young Indonesian scientists through the Indonesian Young Science Academy
– Indonesian Science Agenda – Fundamental scientific questions of strategic importance to the major challenges faced by Indonesia today; solutions should make a significant impact in meeting challenges
– Improving Indonesia’s scientific excellence (scientific excellence) through the establishment of the Indonesian Science Fund
– Expand AIPI’s output through AIPI Press – with a focus on e-publications
– Strengthen AIPI’s ability to manage (a) APBN funds and (b) non-APBN funds
Science Commissions at the Indonesian Academy of Sciences :
– Engineering Science Commission
– Chairman: Muljowidodo Kartidjo
– Professional Assistant: Rory Hutagalung
– Medical Science Commission
– Chairwoman: Herawati Supolo Sudoyo
– Professional Assistant: Aprilia Ekawati Utami, ES
– Social Sciences Commission
– Chairman: Syarif Hidayat
– Professional Assistant: Idawati HM Yara
– Basic Science Commission
– Chairman: Jatna Supriatna
– Professional Assistant: Anny Sulaswatty
– Komisi Kebudayaan (KK)
– Chairman: M. Amin Abdullah
– Professional Assistant: Ningsih
Regulations
The Indonesian Academy of Sciences, established by Law of the Republic of Indonesia (No. 8/1990), is an independent institution that provides opinions, advice, and recommendations on matters related to science and technology to the government and the public. It also promotes the development and excellence of science through scientific conferences and policy discussion forums, publications, and national and international relations..
Related regulations:
History
Tracing the Historical Roots of the Formation of AIPI
1948
The Organization for Natural Sciences Research (ONO) was established on May 1, 1948, and is headquartered at Koeningsplain Zuid 11. The organization is a collaborative scientific institution between Indonesia and the Netherlands. Activities carried out include: establishing relationships with government and private institutions in Indonesia and the Netherlands; recruiting members from both countries to work in Indonesia; sending Indonesian scientists to attend international conferences; organizing study tours; establishing contacts with scientists and various institutions for future collaboration; and publishing a newsletter.
1950
Following the transfer of sovereignty, ONO was renamed the Organization for Scientific Research (OSR). The newsletter it published was in English. In the newsletter published in 1950, a diagram illustrating the OSR and its relationship with other institutions was also included. The diagram showed plans for the establishment of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences, which was to have a council for science and a council for literature. These two councils would oversee the Scientific Research Organization and the Cultural Research Organization, respectively.
1951
OSR was renamed the Organization for the Investigation of Natural Sciences (OPIPA) and remained headquartered at Koningsplein Zuid 11, which was later renamed Jalan Merdeka Selatan 11. The organization regularly published news bulletins and scientific journals, typically featuring articles by Dutch scientists. It also maintained relationships with various international research organizations.
Although this organization already bore the name “Indonesia,” many Indonesian researchers and institutions were reluctant to be governed by an institution inherited from the colonial government. Ultimately, the Minister of Education, Teaching, and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia formed a committee of nine leading scientists, led by Prof. Dr. Sarwono Prawirohardjo, to draft the establishment of a new Indonesian Council of Science.
1956
President Soekarno signed Law No. 6 of 1956 on the establishment of the Indonesian Council of Science (MIPI). The institution served a coordinating role to promote and lead the development of science and culture; provide science-based input to the government regarding national development; coordinate research and collaborate with various government and private institutions; publish scientific books and journals; assist in library management; provide funding for research; and strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with various international scientific institutions. MIPI is slated to evolve into the Indonesian Academy of Sciences.
1962
MIPI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, drafted an academic paper and a bill to lay the groundwork for the establishment of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences. However, there has been no follow-up from either the government or parliament.
Meanwhile, the National Advisory Council—which was established in 1959 by the government to oversee Guided Democracy—actually transformed MIPI into a research institution overseeing the National Biology Institute (formerly known as the Bogor Botanic Garden and under the Ministry of Agriculture). In addition, a number of national research institutions in the fields of physics, chemistry, oceanography, geology, metallurgy, electrical engineering, economics, and the social sciences were also placed under MIPI.
At the same time, MIPI was transferred to a newly established government agency, the Department of National Research Affairs (Durenas). This department subsequently took over MIPI’s functions in formulating science policy and coordinating the direction of national research development.
1966
The cabinet reshuffle following the collapse of the Guided Democracy era led to the dissolution of the Department of National Research Affairs. Its duties and functions were subsequently transferred to a new institution called the National Research Agency (Lemrenas).
1967
Political changes in Indonesia led the Provisional People’s Consultative Assembly (MPRS) to repeal Law No. 6 of 1956 on the establishment of MIPI, Presidential Decree No. 94 of 1962 on the establishment of Durenas, and Presidential Decree No. 188 of 1966 on the establishment of Lemrenas. Instead, the MPRS requested that the government establish the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).
LIPI was finally established on August 23, 1967, by Presidential Decree No. 128 of 1967. LIPI was tasked with carrying out the duties of MIPI and Lemrenas, along with an additional task: preparing for the establishment of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences.
1969
A committee formed by LIPI submitted a memorandum proposing the establishment of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences. However, the government took no action on the memorandum. Consequently, the plan to establish the Indonesian Academy of Sciences was delayed for more than ten years.
1983
The State Minister of Research and Technology has revived the idea of establishing an academy of sciences by forming a new committee. The committee is re-examining the steps required to establish the Academy, preparing a new academic charter, and drafting a bill on the Indonesian Academy of Sciences.
1990
The Indonesian Academy of Sciences was finally established on October 13, 1990, after Law No. 8 of 1990 was signed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia
The Philosophy Behind the AIPI Logo
Description of the AIPI Logo
– The shape of the clove flower is divided into five parts, representing the five commissions within AIPI: the Engineering Sciences Commission (KIR), the Medical Sciences Commission (KIK), the Basic Sciences Commission (KIPD), the Social Sciences Commission (KIS), and the Cultural Commission (KK).
– The five commissions are represented by the number of pistils in the clove flower.
– The arrangement and orientation of the pistils and petals point upward to the right, conveying the message that AIPI, as an instrument of national civilization, can contribute to the nation’s progress.