Jakarta, July 21 -- The government has earmarked an additional budget of Rp1.8 trillion (US$110 million) to fund research on vital issues in eastern Indonesia, including Papua, according to Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie.

During a visit to Papua University in Manokwari, West Papua, on Sunday (July 20), Christie highlighted that the funding would be distributed fairly, with particular emphasis on food and energy security, as well as downstreaming development.

"Relevant research will bring concrete impacts to society and open funding access from central and regional governments, as well as industries," Christie noted in a statement cited here on Monday.

The deputy minister also encouraged Pap...