Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Prabowo’s September visit to the UAE: Pushing Indonesia deeper into the Middle East conversation?
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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Open letter to UN OHCHR: urgent call to monitor, investigate, and report the escalating crisis in Indonesia
The current situation in Indonesia reflects a serious decline in democracy and the protection of human rights. Repressive actions by state forces against peaceful demonstrations increasingly underscore a pattern of restrictions on civic freedoms, while reviving the specter of authoritarian practices from the past. Arbitrary arrests, violence by security forces, and the involvement of the military in civilian affairs are warning signs of the weakening of the rule of la
Read publicationIndonesia’s stance on Israel’s strike on Qatar
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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China and the Wave of Protests in Indonesia
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama, published in Australian Outlook.
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2025 China-Indonesia Provincial Index: understanding China's footholds across Indonesian provinces
China’s presence in Indonesia is no longer confined to the national capital it is deepening and spreading across the archipelago. The 2025 China–Indonesia Provincial Index, the second edition of this annual study, provides a systematic mapping of China’s footholds in Indonesia’s provinces from 1 August 2024 to 1 August 2025. Building on last year’s inaugural research, the findings show that China’s presence has not only persisted but expanded across more provinces, sectors, and levels of governa
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Is Indonesia turning into a “fascist economy”?
Opinion article by Bhima Yudhistira Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Global Policy Journal.
Read publicationIndonesia’s flotilla of conscience
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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Press release reset Indonesia’s economy
The current economic situation in recent weeks reflects the accumulation of persistent problems: inequality, unfair taxation, inefficient spending, and the government’s ballooning debt. Real and implementable solutions are urgently needed to address the challenges faced by Indonesia’s middle- and lower-income groups. CELIOS calls for a Reset of Indonesia’s Economy through eight key policy demands aimed at restoring public trust, strengthening the state budget (APBN), and protecting household pur
Read publicationBlood on the streets: Indonesia silences its people’s pleas
Opinion article by Yeta Purnama and Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Fair Observer.
Read publicationIndonesia’s Prabowo, in China’s spotlight, ignores nation’s tumult for global showmanship
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat Yeta Purnama, published in The China Global South Project.
Read publicationIndonesia aids Gaza — but only after Israel says yes
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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Challenging cement extractivism: valuation of ecosystem services in the Pracimantoro Karst, Central Java
The planned construction of a cement factory and its accompanying limestone quarry in Pracimantoro District, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, has drawn strong opposition from local residents because of the risk of serious environmental damage. Located within the Pegunung Sewu karst landscape, the quarry is feared to damage the fragile hydrological system and threaten the livelihoods of local farmers who depend on their land. Residents are also concerned that this kind of environmental degradation would...
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