President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, August 25, 2025, inaugurated Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto as head of the newly established Mineral Industry Agency, a body tasked with overseeing the management of strategic minerals vital for defense and economic security.
“Strategic materials are essential for national sovereignty and are expected to strengthen our economy as well,” Brian told reporters after the ceremony.
The agency’s focus will include management supervision of rare earth elements, radioactive minerals, and other critical resources.
Brian declined to disclose under which ministry the agency would operate but confirmed that his dual role would not disrupt his ministerial duties. “Given the technological aspects, we expect to accelerate research in universities and push its application in industry, particularly in rare earth processing,” he said.
The appointment, based on Presidential Decree No. 77P/2025, was formalized in a ceremony at the State Palace.
Background
Brian, a professor at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), is an expert in nanotechnology and quantum engineering. He previously served as ITB’s Vice Rector for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology (2020–2024).
He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics engineering at ITB in 1999 before completing his master’s and doctorate at the University of Tokyo in 2005 in Quantum Engineering and System Science.
His academic career includes serving as Head of ITB’s Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Research Center (2019–2020), Head of the Physics Engineering Study Program (2016–2020), and Visiting Professor at Tsukuba University (2021–present).
Brian was appointed as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in February 2025, replacing Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro.
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