Jakarta, Aug. 30 -- Indonesian Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto has urged universities to strengthen applied research to address real-world challenges, particularly in supporting village self-reliance.

In a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday, Brian noted that partner villages can serve as spaces where universities conduct research while implementing innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

According to Brian, local communities must be actively involved in the empowerment process to ensure impactful programs.

"Research should not just stop in the classrooms, laboratories, or in academic journal papers. More than that, it's about what we can develop and solve for the surrounding community," t...