Arif Satria’s schedule has dramatically shifted since becoming Chief of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on November 10, 2025, now averaging only three hours of sleep per night. The former Rector of IPB University is focused on strengthening local research and responding to national crises.
BRIN Chief Balances Duties, Partnerships, and Internal Challenges
Satria, who previously maintained a six-hour sleep schedule, now begins his day receiving guests at the B.J. Habibie Building in Central Jakarta at 7 a.m., often hosting up to ten visitors daily. Recently, he met with the Vice Rector of Kyoto University to discuss a potential research partnership.
Beyond his official duties, Satria remains involved with the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association (ICMI). He recently attended ICMI’s National Working Gathering in Bali, held from December 5 to 7, and also plans to visit the Bali Botanical Garden to assess its facilities.
Tempo conducted interviews with Satria on three occasions – November 12, 2025, and online on December 3 and 4 – during which he outlined his plans for bolstering local research culture and BRIN’s role in disaster response.
Disaster Response Efforts in Sumatra
BRIN has been actively assisting the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) since November 27, 2025, following the Sumatra disaster. The agency provided rapid assessments utilizing optical and radar satellite imagery and collaborated with national and international networks to map the affected areas. This data was then provided to the BNPB to inform policymaking.
The cause of the Sumatra disaster is still under investigation. Satria stated that the event appears to be the result of a combination of natural and human factors, rather than a single cause.
Satria expressed confidence in resolving BRIN’s internal conflicts by the end of December.
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