Bank Indonesia Institute (BINS), in collaboration with Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), hosted “BINS Goes to Campus: Research Workshop, Dissemination of Research Findings, and Promotion of Bank Indonesia Institute Research Center Programs (PRBI).” The event, spanning from Thursday to Saturday, September 19–21, 2024, at the UNS Inn Convention Hall, was attended by academics, lecturers, students, practitioners, and researchers.

On the first day, Thursday, September 19, 2024, the program began with a lecture delivered by Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, Vice-Rector for Planning, Collaboration, Internationalization, and Information Affairs UNS, with material entitled “Industrial Policy Directions and Downstreaming Strategies to Support Sustainable Growth in Indonesia.”

Prof. Irwan highlighted that the “National Industrial Development Master Plan (RIPIN) 2015–2035” prioritizes 21 commodities for downstream processing in Indonesia. These commodities span sectors such as mining, agriculture, and plantations, including palm oil. He explained that much of Indonesia’s palm oil exports currently consist of crude palm oil (CPO). Transforming CPO into refined palm oil, which holds greater market value, exemplifies the downstreaming concept—shifting from raw material exports to finished goods.

“Downstreaming must not be generalized across all commodities but rather approached selectively, based on market analysis and cost-benefit reviews. It should not be influenced by political agendas or image-building efforts,” he explained.

Downstreaming, he emphasized, must deliver clear added value when transitioning from raw materials to processed goods. Without robust market analysis and cost-benefit evaluations, it may fail to provide economic advantages. Furthermore, successful downstreaming requires strong national policies, such as Indonesia’s export ban on nickel ore and progressive export tariffs on cocoa beans.

Prof. Irwan also recommended integrating renewable energy into downstreaming processes, empowering local communities through engagement, and enhancing oversight and law enforcement. He highlighted the positive outcomes of downstreaming, citing Indonesia’s nickel product exports reaching a record high of USD 4.5 billion during January–November 2023, driven by active government policies.

Following the lecture, a “Research Dissemination session was led by Dr. Danny Hermawan from BINS, on the topic of “Climate Change Implications on the Growth at Risk Framework: Some Evidence from Indonesia.” The day concluded with a podcast by Prof. Noer Azam Achsani from IPB University, focusing on “The Role of Generation Z in Economic Development in the Digital Era.”

On the second day, Friday, September 20, 2024, the program continued with lectures by Prof. Iwan Jaya Azis, Research Scholar at Bank Indonesia–Cornell University, discussing “Regional Productivity Development in Indonesia,” and Prof. Hermanto Siregar from Perbanas Institute, covering “The Readiness and Challenges of Indonesia’s Human Resources in Supporting Sustainable Economic Growth in the Digital Era.”

The agenda also included a Research Workshop led by Prof. Paresh Narayan from Monash University, Australia, discussing the topics on “Publication-Worthy Manuscripts,” and a session promoting journals and programs under PRBI by Bank Indonesia Institute.

On the final day, Saturday, September 21, 2024, the event featured a lecture on “Quantitative Methods for Research” by Prof. M. Firdaus from IPB University. Additionally, BINS conducted a parallel Research Clinic sessions, offering research consultations by internal and external Bank Indonesia researchers for undergraduate and master’s students.