SINTA TALK 2024: Elevating Academic Research in Indonesia

Sanur, Bali – Thursday, November 21, 2024

The serene atmosphere of Sanur, Bali, set the stage for SINTA TALK 2024, a pivotal forum organized by DRTPM Ristekdikti. This national event brought together educators and academic professionals to discuss the enhancement of SINTA (Science and Technology Index), Indonesia’s central database for academic activities. Representing BINUS University, I had the privilege to participate and contribute to this significant dialogue.

SINTA TALK serves as a collaborative space for lecturers nationwide to offer input on improving SINTA’s functionality and relevance. The system plays a vital role in documenting and indexing academic work, making it an indispensable resource for tracking research contributions and fostering academic excellence.

One of the highlights of the event was reconnecting with Prof. Faiz Syuaib, Director of DRTPM, a visionary leader I had previously engaged with during a research dissemination session amid the COVID-19 era. His dedication to improving Indonesia’s higher education landscape was evident throughout the forum, as he actively engaged with feedback and ideas from participants.

A resonant theme at the forum was the shift from quantity to quality in academic research. Discussions underscored that a lecturer’s responsibility transcends merely producing numerous papers indexed in Scopus or SINTA. Instead, the emphasis must be on research outcomes that create meaningful real-world impacts.

Indonesia’s academic systems are evolving, and participants acknowledged the challenges inherent in this progression. Yet, there was a shared belief that persistence and commitment would eventually yield results. As a community, we must focus on research that truly matters—efforts that may start small but have the potential to make a lasting difference.

The event also provided an excellent opportunity to foster camaraderie among colleagues from various institutions. Special recognition is due to Prof. I Wayan Eka Mahendra, the Chair of the Event, for his exemplary leadership in ensuring the forum’s success. SINTA TALK 2024 was more than just an academic forum; it was a call to action for Indonesian educators to strive for impactful research and contribute to the country’s academic and societal progress. As we move forward, the insights and collaborations from this event will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of research and education in Indonesia. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to meaningful scholarship, guided by the belief that our collective efforts will lead to transformative outcomes for our communities and beyond.