Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Assessment of the moratorium on mining licenses in Java
Java, Indonesia’s most densely populated island, has long borne the brunt of unchecked extractive activities. Mining, particularly for cement production, has pushed the island beyond its ecological carrying capacity—damaging landscapes, threatening hydrological systems, and undermining the livelihoods of nearby communities. What is often called “development” is instead driving an ecological crisis with long-term economic and social consequences. Through this assessment, CELIOS emphasizes
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Critique of the 2025 energy transition roadmap: the fallacy of techno-financial logic behind coal fired power plant (PLTU) closures
This report critically examines Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 10 of 2025 on the Energy Transition Roadmap for the Electricity Sector, particularly its provisions on ending the operation of coal-fired power plants (PLTUs). It identifies a number of normative, methodological, and institutional weaknesses that instead hinder the acceleration of the energy transition. The roadmap was drafted with minimal public participation and low transparency, while positioning PLN as the dominant actor in studies on the early retirement of PLTUs—a situation that
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The triple impact of gas power plant expansion: economic growth, public health, and environmental consequences
Indonesia’s energy transition policy is still considered insufficiently ambitious because it leaves room for various false solutions, such as CCS/CCUS technology, palm oil-based bioenergy, and the expansion of gas and nuclear power. Greenpeace and CELIOS have released a report highlighting the dangers of using fossil gas as a transition energy source, which could instead hinder progress toward clean energy targets. The report’s findings show that expanding fossil gas power plants will cause significant losses for e
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How much do consumers lose from adulterated Pertamax? A recap of consumer complaints and consumer loss modeling
CELIOS and LBH Jakarta have released a report titled “How Much Do Consumers Lose from Adulterated Pertamax? A Recap of Consumer Complaints and Consumer Loss Modeling,” revealing the scale of the losses suffered by the public as a result of suspected fuel adulteration. The study documents consumers’ real-life experiences while also modeling the resulting economic impacts. Its findings show that the losses are not only felt by individuals but also affect the national economy. These findings revea
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The prospects of decarbonizing Indonesia’s steel industry: How green steel helps shape industry competitiveness
The global steel industry is accelerating its transition towards net-zero emissions, with roadmaps emphasizing the use of green hydrogen and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. However, Indonesia’s steel sector faces significant challenges, as carbon emissions rose sharply between 2019 and 2020 and are projected to reach 24.9 million tons by 2030. Although companies such as Krakatau Steel and Posco Korea have begun decarbonization efforts, their expansion plans—such as the “Cilegon 10 Million Ton Stee
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Looking towards MENA (Middle East and North Africa): Alternative investment partners for Indonesia’s energy transition
CELIOS launched the Indonesia-MENA Desk alongside its study “Looking Towards MENA: Alternative Investment Partners for Indonesia’s Energy Transition.” The report emphasizes the importance of seeking new financing partners amid shifts in global geopolitics. Donald Trump’s pro-fossil agenda, which could weaken international climate cooperation, as well as China’s dominance in financing coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) in Indonesia, show the risks of relying solely on longstanding partners in the clean energy transition. S
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Mining false solutions: The controversy of JETP in the Ijen Geothermal Project
In the implementation of the JETP program, the Blawan-Ijen geothermal power plant project in East Java secured substantial funding, including USD 126 million from the DFC. However, field studies show that the project’s implementation falls far short of the “just” principles promised in the JETP documents. There is a discrepancy between the Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) and practices on the ground, from consultations held only through the Village Heads Forum without directly involving residents, to community complaints that went unanswered by the company. Instead of
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100-day report of the Prabowo-Gibran Cabinet: Performance, challenges, and expectations
The Prabowo-Gibran administration has officially completed its first 100 days in office. CELIOS conducted a cabinet performance evaluation using expert judgment, involving 95 journalists from 44 reputable media outlets. The study found that President Prabowo received a score of 5 out of 10, while Vice President Gibran scored just 3 out of 10. Overall, performance was considered inadequate, with political promises only partially fulfilled and budget management considered poor by more than half of respondents. Some...
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Nexus of ambition, value addition, and governance in bauxite and copper downstreaming in Indonesia
After the nickel era, the government is now focusing on copper and bauxite downstreaming as strategic commodities for the battery ecosystem and energy transition. In its latest report, CELIOS underscores the importance of policy consistency, particularly regarding the plan to stop raw ore exports in 2025. The prospect of reopening permits for concentrate exports must not weaken the direction of downstreaming. Although smelter construction faces challenges, assessments of incidents such as the fire in Gresik must not
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Debt swap scheme can support the energy transition in the Prabowo era
President Prabowo’s commitment at the G20 Summit in Brazil to end dependence on coal-fired power plants over the next 15 years needs to be acted on immediately. The estimated cost of retiring coal-fired power plants through 2050 reaches IDR 444 trillion, while the government’s fiscal space is narrowing as interest and debt payments next year are expected to absorb 45% of the state budget. In this context, CELIOS is offering an innovative solution in the form of a debt swap scheme to enable coal-fired power plant retirement to be
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CELIOS’ recommendations for Indonesia's Second Nationally Determined Contributions (SNDC): looking ahead to tackling the climate crisis
The climate crisis has had serious impacts on economic sovereignty, public safety, and the environment. Indonesia is expected to take concrete steps in mitigation and adaptation, using the formulation of its SNDC (Second Nationally Determined Contributions) as a turning point to change course, while acknowledging past delays in responding and moving forward with greater focus. The government should postpone permits for new coal-fired power plants, particularly in industrial zones, so that the target...
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CELIOS x 350 Indonesia: opportunities and challenges in community-based renewable energy financing
Jakarta, 20 May 2024–350.org and CELIOS launched the study “Economic Impact and Financing Opportunities for Community-Based Renewable Energy”, which shows that community-based renewable energy has the potential to contribute Rp10,529 trillion to GDP over 25 years. Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director of CELIOS, stated, “The positive impact of community-based renewable energy can also reduce poverty by more than 16 million people. There are employment opportunities amounting to
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