One of the most popular candidates for the Minister of Research and Technology position in the cabinet of Indonesia’s newly elected government; Prof. Yohanes Surya on 18th August 2014 tempered expectations surrounding his candidacy. In an interview published by Viva News, Prof. Surya – well known for his achievements in academia as well as for the recent establishment of Surya University - instead put forward his ideal person for the job: Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, current Rector of Trilogi University.

Upon explaining that he would best be able to serve Indonesia’s tertiary education sector by developing Surya University’s research capabilities, Prof. Surya discussed at length Dr. Saefuddin’s suitability to the role of Minister of Research and Technology. “His [Dr. Saefuddin] ideas are interesting and strategic, and he has been a proponent for collaboration between universities in the field of research and technology,” he said (Viva News, 18/08).

Dr. Saefuddin has longstanding experience in research, having obtained a PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Guelph in Canada before beginning a career in academia. This includes a five year post at Institut Pertanian Bogor as Vice Rector. As Rector of Trilogi University, Dr. Saefuddin has been active in furthering the university’s commitment to conducting high quality research through the recent publication of the Grand Design for Research & Community Empowerment. Encompassing nine prioritised fields of study, this master plan puts in place a well-defined framework for research to be carried out by Trilogi University between 2014 and 2019.