Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Indonesia: how to avoid low-quality investment and debt traps?
Jakarta, June 15, 2023— Chinese investment in developing countries, including Indonesia, through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has come under intense scrutiny. CELIOS researcher Yeta Purnama stated, “In nickel downstreaming, or smelting, coal-fired power plants still predominate, and their carbon emissions pose a serious danger to communities living near smelters. This contradicts President Xi’s commitment to halt all new investments in coal-fired power plants outside China.”
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Press release: efforts to attract green investment hindered by coal-fired power plants in industrial zones
Jakarta—In front of German investors at the opening of Hannover Messe in mid-April 2023, President Jokowi stated that all coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) would be closed by 2025, a date later clarified as 2050. Despite this revision, the government still permits the construction of captive coal-fired power plants in the Indonesia Green Industrial Park (KIHI). As an illustration, the KIHI project will be located in three villages (Tanah Kuning, Mangkupadi, and Binai) in Bulungan Regency
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Renewable Energy Bill review: energy democracy, the dilemma of fair pricing, and incentives for renewable energy producers
The ongoing discussion of the New and Renewable Energy (EBT) Bill calls for public input. CELIOS, as a research institution, has analyzed provisions in the bill that are considered not to fully support energy democracy. The policy brief finds that large-scale businesses remain the primary consideration in setting EBT prices, the public’s right to affordable, accessible, and sustainable EBT is not concretely guaranteed, and incentive policies are not yet optimal because they are general in scope and not tailored to the characteristics of different businesses.
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The development of Bali LNG terminal development: who is it for?
Bali, March 2023—CELIOS was one of the speakers at a discussion organized by Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) Bali titled “The LNG Terminal Debate: Understanding Shareholders’ Rights and Authority in Business. What Can 20% Empty Shares and Minority Shareholders Do?” at Kubu Kopi, Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Denpasar. In addition to CELIOS, WALHI invited representatives from the Bali Environmental Advocacy Working Committee (KEKAL). Speakers included CELIOS Director Bhima Yudhistira, CELIOS Researcher Wishnu Utomo, and
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PLN bondholders must accelerate the energy transition
CELIOS presents the report “The Role of Bondholders in PLN’s Energy Transition Agenda,” which examines the challenges and opportunities in PLN’s shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. This energy transition requires significant financial restructuring, given the dominance of coal-fired power plants and the substantial investment needed to develop New and Renewable Energy (NRE), such as solar and hydropower. The report highlights how financing mechanisms, particularly the role of bondholders, can facilitate or even
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The losses from coal downstreaming under the Job Creation Law
Jakarta, 1 February 2023—The Job Creation Law Perpu has raised concerns about negative impacts on the economy, energy security, and the environment, particularly Article 128A, which sets royalties on coal downstreaming at 0%. CELIOS Executive Director Bhima Yudhistira stated, “Assuming total coal production of 666.6 million tons per year, potential royalty losses are estimated at Rp33.8 trillion annually. If the policy remains in effect for the next 20 years, it is estimated that
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Energy transition polemic in Indonesia: the massive development of captive power plants
Captive coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) are privately owned power plants used exclusively to meet industrial operating needs. They are typically located in protected industrial zones, where public oversight and regulatory scrutiny are limited. Recently, Chinese investors have built many captive power plants in Indonesia through the Belt and Road Initiative, even though China committed in 2021, through its Green BRI, to stop building captive power plants abroad. Projects still underway in Indonesia
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CELIOS x GudangAda: landscape, opportunities, and challenges of B2B FMCG business in Indonesia during the digital transformation acceleration period
The study “B2B FMCG Marketplace Indonesia Outlook 2023,” conducted by CELIOS in collaboration with GudangAda, analyzes the state of B2B Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) business in Indonesia amid global economic uncertainty. Its main focus is strengthening the resilience of MSMEs, which are key contributors to employment and GDP. The research shows that B2B e-commerce transactions continue to grow, with the potential to increase by 25% in 2023. B2B FMCG platforms help MSMEs, particularly traditional...
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Press release: the contradictory Omnibus Law on Job Creation
The government issued Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perpu) No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation on December 30, 2022. CELIOS reviewed and analyzed the Perpu from economic and legal perspectives. In addition, CELIOS emphasized the importance of the government explaining
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Critical points in energy transition financing: JETP and ETM
Indonesia secured significant energy transition funding commitments at the G20 Summit in Bali, including the JETP and ETM schemes, worth USD 20 billion and USD 250-300 million, respectively. CELIOS highlighted several technical issues, such as project transparency, public involvement, and lessons from South Africa’s JETP experience. “The first six months of the JETP are crucial. Public participation, especially by those affected by the energy transition, must be a government priority,” the CELIOS report stated. Early retirement program for coal-fired power plants
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Recommendations for regulating the PPSK Bill to facilitate the development of the carbon market and crypto asset industry
CELIOS released the report “Recommendations for Regulating the PPSK Bill to Facilitate the Development of the Carbon Market and Crypto Asset Industry” amid discussions on the Draft Law on Financial Sector Development and Strengthening (RUU PPSK). This omnibus law aims to integrate around 16 laws to create a national financial ecosystem that is adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable. However, some provisions run counter to the goals of efficiency and cross-sector collaboration, particularly regarding
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A study on cryptocurrency asset trading: a review of Bappebti Regulation No. 8/2021
Investment in crypto assets in Indonesia has grown very rapidly. In 2020, the number of crypto market investors reached 4 million, more than doubled to 11.2 million in 2021, and exceeded 15.57 million by the end of July 2022. This figure is far higher than the 9.3 million investors in Indonesia’s capital market as of July 2022, indicating strong interest in crypto transactions, particularly among retail investors. Currently, attention is focused on the plan to establish
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