Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Are the people being “poisoned” by the government? Tens of thousands affected by suspected MBG-related food poisoning, yet the crisis is treated as trivial
Key Findings from CELIOS Memo #MBG Series 6 The 43,838 victims are not isolated incidents—they reflect a systemic failure. In the first three days of September alone, more than 1,908 people were affected in incidents linked to at least six different SPPG kitchens. MBG-related food poisoning has caused up to IDR 40.38 billion in socioeconomic losses, including medical expenses, productivity losses, and out-of-pocket costs. Nearly IDR 12 billion of these costs must be borne directly by the victims’ families.
Read publication
Indonesia’s education system battered by MBG
CELIOS’ Latest Study on MBG — 18 August 2026 MBG is still planned to continue in 2027, with an allocation of Rp240 trillion, equivalent to 29.3% of the national education budget. The government is failing to respond to the warning signs, learn from past failures, and fulfill its responsibility. Since Sudaryono was appointed, at least 1,557 people have reportedly been affected by suspected food poisoning linked to MBG. Yet instead of addressing the root causes and ensuring accountability, thes
Read publication
CELIOS expert opinion on the judicial review of the Teachers and Lecturers Law
Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Executive Director of CELIOS, has submitted a written expert opinion in his capacity as an economist for the judicial review of Law No. 14 of 2005 on Teachers and Lecturers before the Constitutional Court (Case No. 272/PUU-XXIII/2025). The expert opinion provides an economic perspective on the issues raised in the petition, contributing evidence-based analysis to support the Constitutional Court's review of the challenged provisions. Bhima Yudhistira's Expert Testimony—Constitutional Court, Teachers and Lecturers Law
Read publication
Indonesia economic inequality 2026
The report *Indonesia Economic Inequality 2026: Republic of Oligarchy* lays bare a clear reality: inequality in Indonesia is worsening and becoming harder to justify. The wealth of the 50 richest people is equal to that of 55 million Indonesians. Meanwhile, workers’ wages are barely rising as the wealth of the richest continues to grow rapidly. This report explains why. The issue is not just the market, but how the economic and political system works. Wealth is concentrated in extractive sectors such as mining and energy, and
Read publication
Meals (not) nutritious (not) free
When (Not) Nutritious (Not) Free Meals The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) has been touted as a flagship program of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. The government, through Bappenas, has identified 4 main objectives for MBG. These include meeting the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups. The program is also intended to improve the quality of education. MBG is expected to stimulate local economies. The program is also claimed to be capable of creating jobs. President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly said that MBG is the provi…
Read publication
Low wages, high hopes: inside Indonesia’s fashion supply chains
CELIOS’ new report “Low Wages, High Hopes” sheds light on the harsh realities behind Indonesia’s textile, garment, shoe, and leather industries. Drawing on DecentWorkCheck survey data from 2017–2024, the study finds widespread short-term contracts, wage theft, and declining social protection—trends worsened by deregulation under the Job Creation Law. The report calls for stronger labor enforcement and greater accountability from global fashion brands to ensure decent work and fair pay across I
Read publication
Survey: Prabowo–Gibran’s 1-Year Performance Report Card
One Year of Prabowo–Gibran: A Failing Grade from the Public CELIOS has released the results of its One-Year Performance Evaluation of the Prabowo–Gibran Government, assessing program achievements, leadership, budget governance, policy communication, and law enforcement. The evaluation was conducted through a panel survey of 120 journalists from 60 national media outlets and a public survey of 1,338 respondents across Indonesia. The results show failing grades in nearly every sector. Prabowo Subianto scored 3 out of 10, Gibran
Read publication
Respectfully, public officials: taxation should not be like hunting in a zoo
CELIOS’s latest report shows that Indonesia actually has many new “revenue engines” that can be tapped without burdening ordinary people. If implemented properly, these alternative sources could generate up to IDR 524 trillion in additional revenue each year. They range from wealth taxes, carbon taxes, coal production taxes, windfall profit taxes and digital taxes to excise duties on sugary drinks. All have significant potential, provided the government is willing to review ineffective tax incentives.
Read publication
The economic impact of the Merah Putih Cooperative
The Indonesian government has officially launched the Merah Putih Village Cooperative, promising it would drive rural economic development. Yet from its design to its launch, Kopdes MP has sparked debate: can it truly empower villages, or will it instead add to the fiscal burden? A CELIOS report titled *The Economic Impact of the Merah Putih Cooperative* finds that most cooperatives are still underperforming; 59.42% report annual revenue below IDR 300 million. The program also gives rise to
Read publication
Tax justice awaits Constitutional Court ruling, expert calls for VAT cut to boost economy
Jakarta, July 9, 2025 — The Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) was formally invited to present expert testimony at the Constitutional Court hearing on the judicial review of Law No. 7 of 2021 on Value-Added Tax (VAT). CELIOS was represented by Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Economist and Executive Director, and Media Wahyudi Askar, Director of Public Policy. The hearing focused on the implications of Articles 4 and 7 of the Law on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations (UU HPP), particularly regarding the policy
Read publication
Merah-Putih Village Cooperatives: a study on implementation, reform, and policy alternatives
The Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes MP) program was rolled out under the banner of village empowerment and the promise of strengthening village economies. Yet, this study uncovers another side of the program: potential bureaucratic traps, debt burdens, shrinking fiscal space for villages, and hidden political interests. Based on primary data from multiple regions, the majority of village officials reject the Kopdes MP financing scheme, express concern about corruption, and detect risks of social conflict and electoral political mobilization
Read publication
Open letter to the Head of Statistics Indonesia: are we measuring it wrong? Rethinking Indonesia’s poverty standards
Poverty measurement relies on two key indicators. First, we need to calculate how many resources a person has, whether in the form of consumption, income, or assets. Second, we need to determine the poverty line: the minimum threshold of resources required for a decent standard of living. Anyone whose resources fall below this threshold is categorized as poor. It is important to remember that both aspects must be calculated...
Read publication