JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, invited the President of Timor Leste, José Ramos-Horta, along with several Nobel and Turing Prize-winning scientists to the Megawati Institute in Jakarta on Friday (28/8/2026). During a lunch break, Megawati encouraged the guests to exchange ideas on various issues, ranging from war to the development of artificial intelligence.
The invitees previously attended the high-level meeting of the Science for Development Summit 2026 held in Dili, Timor Leste, on August 24-25, 2026. There, scientists discussed various issues related to the role of science in driving economic transformation and artificial intelligence through collaboration.
This meeting was attended by 10 Nobel laureates, including Ramos-Horta, one representative from a Nobel-recipient organization, and four Turing Award winners. In her speech, Megawati emphasized the importance of science, which cannot be separated from political life and the future of the nation.
“The presence of so many prominent scientists and thinkers from around the world is a very valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on various challenges currently faced by humanity,” stated Megawati.
“Political independence without the ability to develop knowledge, manage wealth independently, and determine the direction of development will always face the constraint of limitations. However, Bung Karno also reminded that nationalism should not lead a nation to become closed off.”
As the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN and also the General Chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Megawati emphasized that Indonesia must master science and technology. This is not only to manage its wealth, but the intelligence of this nation is also needed to face challenges and limitations.
Megawati also reminded of her father’s view, the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia Sukarno, who emphasized that true independence is the mastery of science and technology. Therefore, the values of nationalism should be accompanied by openness and internationalism in order to address common issues.
“Political independence without the ability to develop knowledge, manage wealth independently, and determine the direction of development will always face the constraint of limitations. However, Bung Karno also reminded that nationalism should not lead a nation to become closed off,” stated Megawati.
One of the transnational issues that has garnered Megawati’s attention is global warming. She recalled Pope Francis’s statement that this issue must be considered by all of humanity as it poses a serious threat to life.
Sumber: Kompas.id
