EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has encouraged the Association of Communication Science Lecturers and Researchers (ADPIKI) to play an active role in safeguarding the reputation of Indonesian research from fraudulent research practices. The appeal was delivered by Prof. Dr. Eng. Agus Haryono, Deputy for Research and Innovation Facilitation at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), during the ADPIKI Research Corner Webinar titled “Socialization of BRIN Research Grant Funding” on Friday (June 12, 2026).
The statement was made in response to the recent controversy surrounding alleged fraudulent research conducted by an Indonesian academic on pneumonia, which was discussed at the International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) 2026 conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from May 17–21, 2026. According to Agus Haryono, no association of lecturers or researchers had publicly responded to the case.
“To date, no association of lecturers and researchers has expressed a response to negative issues that could potentially damage the reputation of academics and researchers,” Agus Haryono stated.
In addition to encouraging ADPIKI to contribute to protecting the image of Indonesian research, BRIN proposed strengthening the institutional position of researchers within higher education institutions, similar to the role of researchers within government organizations. Agus Haryono urged ADPIKI to initiate the establishment of a functional researcher career scheme within universities.
“The functional researcher position can be adopted by higher education institutions. This scheme would allow researchers to continue teaching while pursuing their research careers,” he explained.
During the webinar, Agus also introduced several BRIN research grant schemes available to lecturers and researchers who are members of ADPIKI. One of the programs that will soon be opened is the RIIM Competition Grant, which is provided to institutions and organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, to conduct research activities aimed at generating novelty and producing inventions and innovations.
Research topics eligible for submission include food, energy, health, water resources, strategic industries, social resilience, society, aerospace and nuclear studies, as well as other themes beyond those specifically designated by BRIN.
“Any research topic is welcome, provided it emphasizes novelty and demonstrates its function and benefits for policymaking in Indonesia,” Agus Haryono emphasized.
Each applicant may submit a maximum of three proposals, with performance indicators requiring publication in reputable international journals with a minimum ranking of Q3. Proposal submissions will be accepted from July 1 to July 31, 2026. Administrative, substantive, and budget proposal reviews will take place from August to November, while the official decree on grant recipients will be issued in December 2026.
In addition to the RIIM Competition Grant, BRIN is offering a Startup Grant scheme worth between IDR 600 million and IDR 700 million to support projects during a two-year incubation period.
“To ensure the quality of these grant programs, we are also opening opportunities for ADPIKI members to serve as reviewers for BRIN research projects,” Agus Haryono added.
ADPIKI Chairman Dr. Heri Budianto welcomed BRIN’s invitation to involve lecturers and researchers as reviewers.
“Thank you, Prof. Agus Haryono. We warmly welcome this collaboration by proposing reviewers from ADPIKI, particularly in the fields of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Television Studies,” said Heri Budianto.
Heri noted that throughout ADPIKI’s first two months of operation, the association has remained committed to collaborating with BRIN. As a professional home for lecturers and researchers, ADPIKI will continue organizing activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of academics and researchers, including webinars such as the one conducted in collaboration with BRIN.
Heri also expressed hope that the initiative would broaden research funding opportunities, particularly for lecturers and researchers in communication studies. Previously, research funding had largely relied on grants from the Directorate General of Higher Education. With the establishment of ADPIKI, communication science lecturers and researchers can now place greater focus on accessing BRIN research grants as an alternative source of funding.
