Notes from the Podcast: What is Up Indonesia

Overview

• Host: Is andov Lopez and M.
• Guest: Bagus Muadi, Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham, UK.
• Main Topics: Scientific thinking, Indonesia's potential, education system, and narrative building.

Introduction

• Purpose of the podcast: To expose listeners to difficult topics for learning.
• Guest Introduction: Bagus Muadi shares his background and current role in academia.

Guest Background

• Personal Journey:
  • Born in Jakarta; studied mechanical engineering in Bandung.
  • Pursued postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD) in Taiwan in Applied Physics.
  • Postdoc at the Institute of Mathematics in France and Imperial College London.
• Current Role:
  • Teaches and conducts research in chemical and environmental engineering.
  • Focuses on knowledge exchange between the UK and Indonesia.

Discussion Points

Scientific Thinking

• Definition:
  • Scientific thinking is distinct from mysticism and scientism.
  • Science is a tool; scientism is a worldview that limits beliefs to those proven in a lab.
• Importance:
  • Critical for addressing Indonesia's potential in science and technology.
  • Encourages logical reasoning and ethical considerations in research.

Indonesia's Potential

• Natural Resources:
  • Indonesia has significant geothermal reserves and potential for scientific advancements.
• Cultural Narratives:
  • Need for a cohesive national narrative that respects local wisdom while promoting scientific thinking.
• Challenges:
  • The Indonesian education system often discourages innovation and critical thinking.
  • Issues with translating scientific knowledge into effective policies.

Education System

• Personal Experience:
  • Bagus reflects on struggling through the education system but emphasizes that success is not solely determined by grades.
  • Importance of resilience and actively seeking opportunities.
• Call to Action for Educators:
  • Indonesian educators should aim to create opportunities for students to engage with and understand science critically.

Role of Universities

• Universities should serve as a microcosm of society, promoting diversity and critical discourse.
• Knowledge Exchange:
  • Importance of universities in fostering local and global collaborations.
• Narrative Building:
  • Indonesia needs a narrative that reflects its diversity and fosters a sense of national identity and unity.

Conclusion

• Hope for Indonesia:
  • Despite challenges, Indonesia's potential remains high.
  • The importance of creating a narrative that inspires unity and progress among its diverse cultures.
• Recommendations for Viewers:
  • Engage with difficult topics and contribute to discussions that promote scientific thinking and innovation.

Additional Thoughts

• Cultural References:
  • Mention of Indonesian myths and history as resources for building a national identity.
• Future Directions:
  • Need for more discussions on science and technology to elevate Indonesia's global standing.