Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Netanyahu quoted Prabowo. Indonesia should be ashamed
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
Read publication
The Danantara bill and the uncertain future of SOEs Ministry
An opinion article by Muhammad Saleh, published in The Jakarta Post.
Read publication
Indonesia prepares for pivotal talks on expanding China-financed ‘Whoosh’ high-speed railway
Opinion article by Bhima Yudhistira, Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, and Yeta Purnama, published in The China Global South Project.
Read publication
The economic diversification potential of North Maluku Province
Since 2020, North Maluku has become the center of the Indonesian government’s ambitions in nickel mining and downstream processing. The impact has been significant: on paper, the province has recorded double-digit economic growth since 2021. Even in 2022 and 2023, amid the pressures of COVID-19, growth still exceeded 20%. While these figures look impressive, excessive reliance on nickel poses serious risks to the local economy and the environment. Nickel is a finite resource, with prices and demand
Read publication
The economic diversification potential of Konawe: moving beyond the extractive development model
Although the nickel boom has driven extraordinary economic growth in Southeast Sulawesi—particularly in Konawe Regency—this is by no means a recipe for sustainable development. Sole reliance on nickel leaves Konawe’s future vulnerable on multiple fronts. Nickel is a non-renewable resource, and its price is heavily affected by volatility in international markets. Moreover, excessive exploitation can cause serious environmental damage,
Read publication
Morowali's economic diversification potential for non-mining products
The RPJPN 2025–2045 has emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable economic growth at both the provincial and regency levels. For Morowali, this mandate underscores the urgent need to move away from an economy that is overly dependent on nickel mining and processing. The regency needs a more resilient economic model—one that can ensure long-term prosperity while preserving the environment. In this report, CELIOS designs several diversification
Read publicationUnpacking Prabowo’s UN speech on Palestine
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
Read publication
The national strategic projects paradox: economic growth at the expense of quality
CELIOS Executive Director Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara gave expert testimony at the Constitutional Court during a judicial review hearing on the Job Creation Law. He stressed that National Strategic Projects (PSN) often prioritize private investors’ profits over the public interest, ultimately triggering agrarian conflicts, environmental damage, and low-quality economic growth. Rather than creating jobs and improving welfare, PSN risks deepening
Read publication
Plan to modify World Heritage forest boundaries for geothermal: a new threat to forests, communities, and Indonesia’s reputation
Jakarta, 22 September 2025 – The government, through the Ministry of Forestry, plans to modify the boundary of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) via UNESCO, in order to build a 5 GW Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Suoh and Sekincau, West Lampung. This move marks a major setback in tropical forest conservation efforts and undermines Indonesia’s environmental diplomacy reputation, particularly in the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil. UNESCO World Heritage Potential The 2.5 million-he
Read publicationUniversitas Indonesia takes steps toward stronger solidarity with Palestine
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
Read publicationIndonesia at the 2025 Arab–Islamic summit: Firm words, familiar mantra
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
Read publication
Indonesia’s infrastructure minister Beijing visit: Key takeaways
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat Yeta Purnama, published in The China Global South Project.
Read publication