In her inaugural address as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie outlined her key priorities for the newly formed Red and White Cabinet. Emphasizing the critical need for enhancing human resources across all levels, Christie aims to drive innovation and support government initiatives.

“Our focus is on developing human resources and fostering new innovations,” stated Christie, an esteemed professor at Tsinghua University, shortly after her inauguration at the State Palace. She highlighted the importance of a well-trained workforce as a foundation for the country’s progress, particularly in the context of President Prabowo Subianto's downstream industrialization program.

Christie noted that the success of this program hinges on advancements in science and technology, asserting, “Industrialization cannot occur without innovations from science and technology. This is essential and requires collective support.”

President Prabowo has vowed to uphold the downstream industrialization policies initiated by former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, despite facing significant international scrutiny, including a lawsuit from the European Union (EU). This resource nationalism policy prohibits the export of unprocessed mineral ores, aiming to boost domestic processing and strengthen the nation’s downstream industries. The EU has challenged Indonesia at the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that the ban could negatively affect Europe’s stainless steel production.

Stella Christie, born on January 11, 1979, in Medan, North Sumatra, is recognized globally for her academic achievements. She graduated from the Red Cross Nordic United World College in Norway, supported by a scholarship from United World College. Christie earned a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard University, graduating with honors in 2004, and went on to complete her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology at Northwestern University in 2010.

In 2012, she joined Swarthmore University as a professor, a position she held until 2018, before moving to Tsinghua University in China, where she was appointed a full professor in 2022.

As Christie embarks on this new role, her commitment to enhancing human resources and fostering innovation positions her as a pivotal figure in Indonesia's future growth and development.