10th International Triple Helix Conference"Emerging Triple Helix Models for Developing Countries:

From Conceptualization to Implementation"

IMPLEMENTING THE TRIPLE HELIX MODEL TO EXPAND THE ECONOMY OF GORONTALO PROVINCE BEYOND NATURAL GROWTH

AND CREATE A WELFARE PROVINCE FOR ALL

Prepared by:

H. Werner Katiliwernerak@yahoo.com

Dr. Ir. Bakri Arbiedayatek@yahoo.com

H. Ir. Razif Halik Unohenk.uno@mruf.org

Sub-themes 3: Triple Helix model for Developing Countries

Key words: Triple Helix system, Gorontalo province, local wisdom, indigenous knowledge and government policy

ABSTRACT:The young province of Gorontalo currently has a relatively inferior economic profile, its GDP ranked 30 out of 33 Indonesian Provinces. Gorontalo’s local government (PEMDA) faces significant challenges to increase the economic volume of Gorontalo province. Under Indonesia’s central government development strategy (“Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia Economic Development 2011-2025” (MP3EI), Gorontalo’s fundamental growth is focused on three categories, namely human resources development, the agricultural sector with emphasis on rice and corn production, and the fisheries sector. With the population of barely 1 million people (43.36% of the working population are in the agriculture sector), the strategy towards advancement of Gorontalo province’s economy must rely heavily on the influence of science, technology and innovation (STI). The Triple Helix system is being implemented in Gorontalo province to promote productive collaboration between the three main actors, namely PEMDA Gorontalo, local academia particularly the National University of Gorontalo, and local/national private business entities.

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A.INTRODUCTIONGorontalo, a province on the island of Sulawesi (Celebes), is a newly formed Indonesian province. It has a population of 1.038.585 (2010) and covers a total area of 12.215,44 km². Gorontalo acquired provincial status in 2001, having previously been regency. From historical background, Gorontalo was a territory that proclaimed her independence on January 23rd, 1942 by local hero, H. Nani Wartabone, before Indonesian independence on August 17th, 1945. That event, has always been a fundamental drive of all Gorontalonese to have the status of Gorontalo as an autonomous province. Currently, the new elected Governor is a young energetic visionary professional, Rulsi Habibie, who happened to be the relative of the 3rd Indonesian President, BJ. Habibie.

In this paper we will describe our vision, plans and practical action already undertaken to implement the Triple Helix model of development in Gorontalo Province. Firstly we will describe the current profile of Gorontalo province. We will then outline current national/local government economic acceleration strategies, theoretical aspects of our vision and concrete steps already carried out to date.

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Gorontalo is Sulawesi’s smallest province in terms of population and area. Its main city, located in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges, was founded as a conglomerate of small kingdoms, historically the central hub for the Gulf of Tomini (called ‘Golf van Gorontalo’ by the Dutch who occupied the area in the 1700s). Today a significant number of prominent national figures today have close family ties with Gorontalo Province (including the 3rd president of Indonesia, several high ranking government officers, political elites, and senior businessmen).

Vintage Dutch poster of Sulawesi (Celebes)

Gorontalo is today ranked thirtieth amongst Indonesia’s 33 provinces (province’s GDP). Gorontalo has a poverty level is 18.75% (2011). This has declined from 23.19% in 20101 but remains above the national average of 13.33% (2010). Gorontalo’s poverty level is based upon expenditure per capita of Rp. 211,726.00 per month or roughly Rp. 7,000 per day (US$

1 Data from National Statistical Bureau

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0.76), while the World Bank poverty level calculation base is US$ 2.00 (purchasing power parity) equal to Rp. 18,000 per day.

Gorontalo province comprises 5 regencies.

Gorontalo has an unemployment rate is 4.6% (2011). This represents a drop from 5.16% in 2010, with both figures below the national rate of 6.80% (2011). 43.36% of Gorontalo’s total labour force (456.499 persons) work in the agriculture sector; most of the remainder work in medium, small and micro business entities (MSME).

Most businesses in Gorontalo operate by trading goods and services. Less than a handful of local companies can be classified as a big companies (local standard), with >100 employees; most businesses fall into the MSME category, with 222 medium size, 7,431 small size and 48,238 micro (Department of Co-operation). Gorontalo’s infrastructure lags behind other provinces in Indonesia: the electricity ratio in Gorontalo province is 50.43%, compared to the national electrification rate of 72.03%. Although the local economy is heavily reliant upon the

agriculture sector, Gorontalo province has only 3% of Sulawesi island’s whole irrigation system (compared to 63% in South Sulawesi).

Indonesian provinces and municipalities are now autonomous, the country having achieved full democracy in 1998. Gorontalo receives central government funding to balance its budget, as do all 33 provinces; however its small area and population mean central government funding is limited. All provinces are required to generate part of their income from their local economy; since 1998 however, most provinces, now including Gorontalo, have been unable to raise all necessary development funds.

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B. BACKGROUNDLocation; Heart of a Growth Area.Gorontalo is favourably located at the heart of two growth area. These are the ASEAN Eastern growth area (BIMP-EAGA, comprising Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, established in 1994), and the Tomini Bay Growth Hub, established by Indonesian government decree2 (2008). The province is bordered by the Celebes Sea to the North, Tomini Bay to the South, North Sulawesi province to the east and Central Sulawesi province to the west.

Circle #2. Aqua-culture center Tomini bay (Dept of Maritime & Fishery)

Gorontalo should be innovative to capitalize on its strategic location. It should utilize the major port of Bitung lying the east (in Northern Sulawesi Province), given that Gorontalo’s economy does not yet support expansion of its own sea ports (Gorontalo port in Tomini Bay,

2 Government decree: PP No. 26 Tahun 2008 tentang RTRWN

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and Kwandang in the Celebes sea). In the same time, Gorontalo should increase its domain within the Tomini bay region, as a central of the growth expansion area.

Conserving World Heritage3: Heart of WallaceaGorontalo Province is of international importance for its rainforest and wildlife. Gorontalo’s Nantu Rainforest is renowned amongst conservationists as a global biodiversity hotspot. At Nantu wild animals and birds found nowhere else on earth can be readily observed. Nantu lies at the heart of the Wallacea bio-region (which comprises Sulawesi, the Moluccas and the Lesser Sunda Islands). The Wallacean bio-region is characterized by an extraordinary mixture of both Asian and Australian wildlife species, and was first described by British explorer Sir Alfred Russel Wallace (1869). Wallacea is characterized by high species endemism; 62% of Sulawesi’s mammals and 34% of its bird species are endemic (found nowhere else on earth).

The Nantu forest comprises the Nantu Wildlife Reserve (33,023 ha), Protection Forest (19,606 ha) and Production Forest (10,002 ha). Stretching over 600 km2, this virgin rainforest is the last stronghold globally of the charismatic pig-deer, the babirusa (Babyrousa babirussa), which is in grave danger of extinction. Nantu is also the habitat for Sulawesi’s other extraordinary, endangered wildlife, including the rare anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) an endemic forest buffalo, a locally endemic species of macaque (Macaca heckii) and the tiny nocturnal spectral tarsier (Tarsius spectrum).

The Nantu Forest is also extremely important in terms of the environmental services it provides: approximately 30,000 people live downstream within the Nantu (Paguyaman) watershed and are completely dependent upon the Nantu/Paguyaman rivers for their water supply. As a virgin rainforest ecosystem, Nantu’s carbon content is invaluable, with over 13 million tonnes of biomass carbon stored. If the forest were cleared, up to 50 million tonnes of CO2 could be released to the atmosphere.

Babirusa Huge strangling fig tree at Nantu forest

3 Nantu Forest Conservation Fund Feasibility Report.

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Fading seamanship:Gorontalo’s people also have a long ancient tradition of harvesting from the sea. Using sailing boats of local design they have for centuries set sail on the tranquil waters of Tomini Bay, and also northwards to the great Celebes Sea. Today however outboard motors have replaced traditional wind-powered boats, and Gorontalo’s rich fisheries are becoming over exploited.

Flores fishermen hunting whale with traditional sail boat The sail of the boat that is used to hunt whale.

Furthermore, Indonesia’s huge marine resources are today stolen by foreign fishing vessels operating illegally within Indonesia’s waters. Illegal fishing operators use large ships and receive assistance of corrupt local authorities. Small traditional fishermen are in no position to compete with these large-scale illegal operators, or the cheap prices at which fish from countries which condone illegal fishing are exported to Indonesia.

Typical foreign fishing vesel Typical Indonesia/Gorontalo fishermen boat

Promoting Higher Education for the Masses:Gorontalo has upgraded its higher education facilities since becoming a Province. The National University of Gorontalo was established in 2004 by Presidential decree4. Prior to this Gorontalo had no University and facilities comprised the Junior College of Gorontalo, (founded 1963). This became the independent Teachers’ Junior College of Gorontalo in 1993 and was upgraded to a full Teachers’ College in 2001, coincident with the establishment of Gorontalo Province, finally becoming the National University of Gorontalo (2004). Today

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Gorontalo has several universities and higher education institutions; morover, the Gorontalo Islamic College is currently on process being upgraded to University status.

Local Wisdom:Exposure to education in Gorontalo province has stimulated local invention, notably the “bentor”. This local invention, is a paradox for PEMDA, as it can be considered as neither brilliant, nor solution.

Becak, inovated in Jakarta in 1936 Bentor (Becak-Motor), inovated in Gorontalo in 2000

The roots of the bentor are found in the “becak”, a three-wheeled pedal-powered bike with front passenger seat which emerged onto the streets of Jakarta in 1936. This is the descendant of the original hand-pulled rickshaws from 19th Century Japan. More than 100.000 becaks operated in Jakarta in 1980 (accounting for 3% of Jakarta’s work force), before being gradually banned by the government.

History has repeated itself in Gorontalo, where few alternative employment opportunities are available for the local work force. The enthusiastic marketing strategies by the motorcycle industry triggered an innovative group of high-school students in Gorontalo to invent the “bentor”, a motorized tricycle.

C. INDONESIA: NATIONAL GOVERNMENT & TRIPLE HELIX SOCIETIES

We will now consider Indonesia’s national level development strategy, before applying lessons learned from this to Gorontalo Province. Overall, Asian economies can be categorized into three groups:

i) Countries with economies that have grown rapidly since the 1950s, avoiding the “middle-income trap” and becoming high-income developed economies in one generation;

ii) Countries, including Indonesia, whose economies have demonstrated consistently high growth since 1990 and have already reached middle-income status, but which now face the greatest risk of falling into the middle-income trap;

iii) Countries with economies that have achieved only modest growth.

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Indonesia must embark on policies which address more inclusive, equitable sustainable long-term economic growth. It must radically broaden the energy mix, applying new and renewable energy sources, harness the full potential of entrepreneurship and innovation to create breakthroughs in science and technology, and improve governance.

By 2050, Indonesia’s total population will be 288 million. In comparison China’s population will have more than 600 million people aged 60 and older by 2022, India will have population of more than 500 million people age 25 and older, while by 2022 Indonesia will have 150 million people age 25 years and younger4. This constitutes an opportunity for Indonesia called the ‘demographic dividend.’

One good example of managing strategy to escape from the middle income trap is South Korea (population 48 million), which has been able to capitalize on its demographic dividend through a labor-intensive, export-oriented industrialization strategy. It gave equal importance to promoting exports and to the nurturing a large domestic market. With its abundant natural resources, on paper, Indonesia should be able to do better than Korea.

Indonesia’s Master plan for Acceleration & Expansion5:Indonesia’s “Master plan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development” (Master plan Percepatan dan Perluasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Indonesia – MP3EI) aims to drive high, balanced, fair and sustainable economic growth with prosperity for all citizens. Under this plan Indonesia will accelerate its prime economic sectors, increase infrastructure development and energy supply, and also develop human resources and science & technology.

Implementation of MP3EI incorporates 3 main elements:1. Developing the regional economic potential in 6 (six) Indonesian Economic

Corridors: (Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali – Nusa Tenggara and Papua – Kepulauan Maluku Economic Corridors);

2. Strengthening national connectivity locally and internationally;3. Strengthening human resource capacity and national science & technology to support

the development of main programs in every economic corridor.

Implementation involves 3 main stakeholder groups in national innovation systems, namely: (i) the government (regulator, facilitator and catalyst), (ii) business/industry (users of the invention), and (iii) research institutions and universities (sources of innovation). Close collaboration between the above groups is essential for the development of innovative products. Connectivity is a key pillar of the MP3EI program, including Physical, Institutional and Social Connectivity.

4 Figures gather from intrnet googleing.5 Extract from the Indonesian goverment Masterplan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia Economic Development.

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Provision of infrastructure to support economic activities is a major challenge for the huge archipelago of Indonesia. Infrastructure itself has a very broad spectrum. Connectivity between regions should be developed to accelerate and expand economic development. Provision of infrastructure which encourages connectivity will reduce transportation and logistics costs in order to improve product competitiveness, and accelerate economic growth. Connectivity infrastructure includes construction of transportation routes, information and communication technology (ICT), and associated regulations.

National Innovation System (NIS):This plan also advocates promoting a system that would enhance the National innovation program (NIS). The system would act to nurture local/national innovations, with beneficial rebound to Indonesia’s economy and would then fuel regional and global economic development. NIS must be an integrated effort involving the actors of the Triple Helix, in order to gain momentum.

Acording to research conducted by INSEAD international graduate business school and research institution, in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent, Booz & Company, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (a specialized agency of the United Nations), a research measures innovativeness for 125 economies rank Indonesia in 99th position6.

Clear concept, commitment and strong support from all stake holders are required to develop this model. Currently Indonesia is regarded as the market for other countries (low value of

6 http://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii/main/analysis/rankings.cfm?vno=a

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local content if any) hence promoting NIS throughout Indonesia (including Gorontalo Province) is vital (in form of ‘rural innovation system’/RIS).

NIS launched in 2009 by The Agency for the Assessment and Aplication of Technology (BPPT)

Innovative capacity is a critical issue driving the forward thrust of both Indonesia and Gorontalo’s economy. Unlike the studies conducted by INSEAD mentioned above, according to the World Economic Forum Report on Global Competitiveness Index that was announced June 2011, Indonesia ranked 44th among 139 countries, moving up 10 notches since 2005, the strongest progress among G20 countries. An important benchmark in this assessment is ‘capability for innovation,’ on which Indonesia ranked 47th. This report highlights “capacity for innovation” as a fundamental problem in Indonesia (rank 53rd)7.

Tight budgets and new scarcities are casting shadows throughout Indonesia, as elsewhere, amidst a changing international environment. This, combined with an increasingly demanding public, is putting governments under growing pressure to prove provision of good value for money, transparency and tangible results. Under the concept of “Managing for Development Results” (MfDR)8 government (central/regional) would be able to set more clear, measurable and limited goals with concrete, time-bound targets.

7 http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GCR_Indonesia_Report_2011.pdf8 http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/18/53/42447575.pdf

Sistem Inovasi Nasional (Dicanangkan pada 2009)Sistem Pendidika

n dan Litbangya

sa

Pendidikan dan

Pelatihan Profesi

Pendidikan Tinggi

dan Litbangya

sa

Litbangyasa

Pemerintah

Sistem IndustriPerusah

aan BesarUKM

“Matang/ Mapan”PPBT

IntermediariesLembaga Riset

Brokers

Konsumen (permintaan akhir)

Produsen (permintaan antara)

Permintaan (Demand)

Framework ConditionsKondisi Umum dan Lingkungan Kebijakan pada Tataran Internasional, Pemerintah Nasional, Pemerintah Provinsi,

dan Pemerintah Kabupaten/Kota

Perbankan

Modal Ventura

Supra- dan Infrastruktur

Khusus

HKI dan

Informasi

Dukungan Inovasi dan

Bisnis

Standar dan

Norma

Catatan : RPT = Riset dan Pengembangan Teknologi (Research and Technology Development)PPBT = Perusahaan Pemula (Baru) Berbasis Teknologi.

AlamiahSDA (Natural Endowment)

BudayaSikap dan nilaiKeterbukaan terhadap pembelajaran dan perubahanKecenderungan terhadap Inovasi dan kewirausahaanMobilitas

Kebijakan Ekonomi

Kebijakan ekonomi makroKebijakan moneterKebijakan fiskalKebijakan pajakKebijakan perdaganganKebijakan persaingan

Kebijakan Industri/ Sektoral

Kebijakan Keuangan

Sistem PolitikPemerinta

hPenadbiran

(Governance)Kebijakan RPT

Kebijakan Promosi & Investasi

Infrastruktur Umum/ Dasar

Pidato Kepala pada HUT BPPT ke 32

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D. GORONTALO: LOCAL REGIONAL POTENTIALThe young Province of Gorontalo possesses unique characteristics as a dynamic entrepreneurial-driven province. With its small population and limited infrastructure, the first 10 years of its existence had been a period of transition to establish necessary basic provincial infrastructure.

New Governor office Gorontalo harbour (Freeze in time)

Gorontalo is an ideal pilot/demonstration province in the decentralization era. Management systems can be tested in Gorontalo and data generated can be used as a bench-mark for other regions to compare innovative approaches. Several international institutions, such as UNDP, ILO, UNESCO, UNIFEM, WHO and UNOPS9 are interested in Gorontalo province, and some have already finalized studies using Gorontalo as a sample area10. Several countries

9 http://pgsp-agi.org/agi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127%3Aprovincial-development-guidelines-of-gorontalo&catid=50%3Aguidelines-of-gorontalo&Itemid=102&lang=en10 http://www.undp.or.id/pubs/docs/PGSP%20-%20Strategi%20Pengembangan%20Kapasitas%2010%20SKPD%20Gorontalo.pdf

SISTIM INOVASI NASIONAL / DAERAH

KNs,c,d

GDP↑UsahaMikro,

Kecil,Koperasi

UsahaBesar

+BUMN

UsahaMene-ngahKnowledge

based economySDM,Diklat,

Perg.Tinggi,Lembaga

Litbang,Budayawan,Agamawan, LSM, Media

Eksekutif,Legislatif,Yudikatif,TNI+Polri,

Partai,Internal Leader,

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Based Society

KN = Ketahanan Nasionals = Rakyat Sejahterac = Cerdasd = Damai

Profit Center

Cost Center

Dampak bagi masyarakat dan KN

Dunia usaha pencipta kerja

Penyelenggara Negara sebagai moderator dan katalisator tumbuhnya usaha yang berdaya saing secara berkelanjutan

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(including Malaysia, Tanzania & Sri Lanka) have applied lessons-learned from Gorontalo’s “agropolitan” programme in their own agricultural related activities.

Gorontalo’s achievements in the agricultural sector are significant. Over the last decade Gorontalo’s maize production has risen seven fold, from 81,720 ton (2001) to 679,168 tons (2010), while rice production has almost doubled (from 158,870 tons in 2001 to 253,563 tons in 2010). In 2011, production of maize and rice in Gorontalo province exceeded the national growth production. This achievement was made possible through provision of free corn and rice seeds to farmers, allocated from the provincial budget, as well as improvements in irrigation.

Gulf of Tomini Tourism and Aquaculture Hub:Gorontalo possesses internationally important terrestrial and marine sites for eco-tourism. The Tomini Bay area including Gorontalo has been gazetted as a Tourism and Aquaculture hub (ratified by five cabinet Ministers and three Governors in 2008 – 9) on account of its marine riches. The Togean Islands, lying at the centre of Tomini Bay, are one of the world’s well known, though inaccessible, tourist destinations, with access via Palu (Central Sulawesi) or Gorontalo. Improved transportation from Gorontalo to the Togean Islands would quickly increase Gorontalo’s role as a tourism centre in the Tomini Bay area. Currently international tourists must either fly 5 hours from Jakarta then 8 hours by ferry to reach the Togian Islands via Gorontalo, or take a 4 hour flight, 8 hour bus-ride and 2 hour ferry-ride to arrive via Palu.

As mentioned earlier, Gorontalo Province is also home to the Nantu Rainforest, a pristine forest ecosystem of global importance for its unique “Wallacean” fauna. At Nantu unique animal and bird species found nowhere else on the earth, such as the Babirusa and the Red-knobbed Hornbill, can be readily observed in a virgin rainforest setting with gigantic rainforest trees. Primary intact rainforest of this kind is now extremely rare in Sulawesi and this, combined with a range of other interesting destinations in Gorontalo, makes the Province extremely attractive to international tourists.

Regarding Aquaculture, Gorontalo’s Government have attempted to diversify the province’s traditional-based fisheries through sea-weed culture; domestication of brackish water fish to salt-water (milk-fish) and promoting farming of the popular Tomini Bay stonefish are other options to be pursued.

Culture and Demography:Gorontalo is also known as a cultural and commercial hub in Sulawesi. Its strategic location, facing Tomini bay to the South and Celebes sea to the North, have made it a central point for the spread of Islam throughout Sulawesi (Ternate, Gorontalo, Bone route). While Islam has already been in Ternate since 1500 AD, the spread of Islam in Gorontalo started as early as 400 years ago. In addition, Gorontalo is a main hub for ethnic Arab Indonesians from Ternate to networking with other cities in Sulawesi. Christianity also developed in some regions of Sulawesi as a result of Dutch occupation. eg. most of the Minahasa populated region was

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already Christian by the 18th century, as were small portions of Central Sulawesi, and large areas of the Maluku islands.

In the 20th century, regions around Gorontalo experienced sectarian conflict, causing the region to be viewed as a trouble-spot. Ongoing Moro separatist (Moslem) rebels have been active to the North (Mindanao, Philippines) against the central government since the 1970s, causing more than 120,000 casualties. Closer to the South, in Poso by Tomini Bay, a severe sectarian conflict occurred for several years with casualties of more than 1,000, while to the east across the Molucan sea, the Maluku islands was also caught in the sectarian conflict for several years, causing more than 2,000 deaths.

Despite these turbulent past events, Gorontalo is a peaceful and tolerant Province, and would be well suited as a centre for Islamic peace dialogue in the broadest sense (involving the BIMP-EAGA member countries11). Gorontalo province has a more than 95% Muslim majority, but was originally part of North Sulawesi province, lying to the East, where more than 90% of the population are Christian. Many Gorontalonese people live in North Sulawesi’s capital, Manado, which is 30% Muslim. This demographic situation proves that citizens of all areas in northern Sulawesi are well adapted to peace within religious diversity.

E. PLAN OF ACTION Triple Helix Model ImplementationTurning to the Triple Helix Model, Gorontalo’s government, University and Business circles have agreed to accept this method. They recognize the strength of its synergistic nature, and the need to bring actors together to establish mutual trust. These stakeholders have agreed upon the need for a “Centre of Social of Science, Technology and Innovation” in Gorontalo (abreviated“PSSTI” in Indonesian language). Key actors will include the Provincial Government, the National University of Gorontalo (UNG) and private sector Businessmen. UNG is one of the most credible actors in the province, employing more than 100 graduate teaching staff, 30 post-doctoral lecturers and with more than 10,000 students. This PSSTI is envisaged as the central nerve system of an ‘innovation cluster,’ a central network of interrelated organizations, intended to jump-start competitiveness of Gorontalo province at a regional scale.

The philosophy underpinning the PSSTI is summarized by Ernest J. Wilson III, who said: “To generate one groundbreaking technological development after another, innovation must be embedded within long-lived social institutions and networks. Four different sectors must be linked together: government, business, civil society (not-for-profit organizations), and academia. This is what I call ‘the quad.’ In such an environment, creativity needn’t wait for the unpredictable ‘aha’ moment. It is continually nurtured. The decisions made at every level — investment funds, corporate engineering teams, regional planning boards, philanthropic councils, academic faculty reviews, and many more — are naturally aligned.”12

11 Central Sulawesi province (bordered with Gorontalo in the West) has 72.36% Muslim population, 24.51% Christian, and 3.13% Budha.12 http://m.strategy-business.com/article/12103?gko=ee74a

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Key pillars to achieve a functioning PSSTI are as follows:1. The PSSTI should construct cross-sector networks that are richer, more diverse, and

more deliberately structured than those of the past. 2. Leaders should continually reform the way their organizations are managed —

creating a climate that fosters innovation, and adjusting the incentives and organizational structures to reward creativity and collaboration.

3. Leaders should invest in talented, innovative individuals, attracting, retaining, and empowering the right mix of people who can foster serial innovation.

The initiative to apply the Triple Helix concept arose from the Indonesia-wide Association of Gorontalonese Citizens (KKIG) after extensive discussion in Gorontalo and Jakarta. Although it seems to be reffered as ‘civil society’ in Wilsons’ ‘the quad,’ it basically can be grouped as the academia. The common purpose of this group is to support and “give-back” to the land of their origin. The group comprises Gorontalonese scholars, scientists, professors, civil servants and a wide diversity of businessmen, who now live outside Gorontalo. Land for the PSSTI centre has already been gifted to the National University of Gorontalo by certain prominent KKIG scholars.

The PSSTI will become the center for Science, Technology and Innovation in Gorontalo. Its immediate task will be to enhance local Gorontalo Province’s resources. PSSPI will conduct social studies on local issues, compile all relevant STI information and disseminate information to all actors in Gorontalo Province. PSSPI will strengthen the local human capital by improving networking both nationally and internationally. PSSPI will also conduct extensive interdisciplinary coordination, to come up with solutions uniquely tailored for local requirements.

PSSPI will be focused on three groups of scholars, scientists and academics, from several different disciplines whose back ground is in technology, humanities and social science, namely:

a) Scientists and technical engineers,b) Economists and political and social science scholars,c) Groups with specialist knowledge on key issues relevant to Gorontalo, such as aqua-

culture, tourism, conservation and corn and rice agriculture.

PSSPI will be a founder model of its kind, replicable by other regions. Its operational system will be easily repeatable in other innovation clusters, with the active assistance of PSSPI. While constituting a specific regional study centre PSSPI will be fully integrated into academic structures, making it possible for participating students/faculty members/ government employees to earn cumulative academic credit and/or special certificates.It will publish reports and research related to local issues, which will serve as reference for the other regions both in Indonesia and abroad.

PSSPI Agenda:

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Gorontalo’s Triple Helix Initiative partners have already finalized the PSSPI centre establishment, which is located within the National University of Gorontalo complex (UNG). Students will build the centre, funded by local government, on the land already donated. In parallel, the actors will establish the organization body, comprising government officers (ex officio), academics (from different universities and colleges), and societies (including businessmen, scholars and private individuals).

Several PSSPI agendas are already developing, including:- Increasing rice production in Gorontalo by possible promotion of artificially radiated

rice seedlings (developed by Indonesian's National Nuclear Energy Agency).- Geothermal energy investment opportunities (e.g. a small scale geothermal power

plant, 7 x 2 MW) to complement construction of a coal-power energy plant (2 x 12.5 MW) already being implemented by a KKIG member.

- PSSPI will implement bufferzone livelihood assistance micro-entrepreneursip initiatives to support conservation of the Nantu Rainforest. These will assist the highly successful Nantu Forest Conservation Programme, implemented over twenty years by a local NGO named YANI spearheaded by Dr. Lynn Clayton, by raising awareness and support for long-term conservation of Nantu, and build full support for Nantu from all sectors of Gorontalonese society.

- PSSPI will develop programmes to promote foreign tourism to Gorontalo, bringing this into line with other areas. A total of only 455 registered foreign tourists visited Gorontalo in 2010, while 4,000 foreign tourists visited the Togean island in Tomini Bay in the same year.

- PSSPI will encourage engineering innovation, addressing genuine local concerns such as revitalization of the motorized tricycle ‘bentor.’ PSSPI will formulate programs to encourage bentor owners to convert to a more acceptable and economical design.

- PSSPI will implement a study on development of aqua-culture in Gorontalo, including seaweed farming and possible domestication of brackish water fish into salt-water

- Sailing boats are a fading heritage of Gorontalo. Five hundred years ago sailing boats were the main means of transport from Gorontalo across Tomini Bay. In 2014 three provinces of the Tomini Bay area will host the ‘Sail Tomini’ festival, inviting sailing boats from around the Asia Pacific to visit the region. By then, Gorontalo should already have a new but traditional sailboat that is fast and agile. This festival will be the starting point for Gorontalo as the new hub of marine activities in the region.

F. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONThe main objective of this paper has been to summarize the evolution of a new province, Gorontalo, from its early creation to the current transitional stage, on its path towards becoming a self-sufficient, mature province at the hub of the East Asian region. All components of Gorontalonese society are united in following this path towards establishing Gorontalo as a modern developed regional centre.

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We note the blueprint of Indonesia’s central government for 2025 is “to Create a Self-Sufficient, Advanced, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.” This involves developing centres of economic excellence throughout each of six corridors, including that of Sulawesi island. However, possibly due to its small size and population, no strategic economic targets have been specified for Gorontalo Province, whose main strength is seen to be maintaining a rice production surplus.

It is now the sole responsibility of the Gorontalonese, to create change in Gorontalo province. Globally Indonesia is ranked 17th in the world economy, with the income per-capita of US$ 3,000 (2010) and by 2025 it is expected that Indonesia will be amongst the top ten largest economies in the world, along with China and India. Looking forward we, the Gorontalonese, do not wish the Province of Gorontalo to remain in 30th position out of 33 provinces (as indicated by poverty level and unemployment rate). The simple way to increase the prosperity of Gorontalo province is to expand economic volume. With the limited resources available to the province, the only logical solution is to incorporate science, technology and innovation in to the economy of Gorontalo province through a close collaboration of actors in the Triple Helix based program.

G. REFERENCES- Amin , Basarei. 2012. Memori Gorontalo,Teritori-Transisi-Tradisi. Ombak Jogja.

- BAPPENAS – RKP 2012, Bab V Pengembangan Wilayah Sulawesi Tahun 2012

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- Pictures are all provided from google for the sole purpose of academic presentation, and not in any way will be use for other purposes.