Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
In Defence, Indonesia balances between giants—even as its politics shift east
Opinion article by Yeta Purnama and Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Australian Outlook.
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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.
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China’s solar expansion in Indonesia still relies on coal
An op-ed by Bhima Yudhistira Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in The China Global South Project.
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Java Island will be uninhabitable in the future if mining is not stopped immediately
Opinion article by Muhammad Saleh, published in The Conversation.
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Galang Island won’t save Gaza: a stronger political stand from Indonesia could
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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CELIOS sends letter to UN over suspected irregularities in Indonesia’s economic growth data
The Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) has formally sent a letter to the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the UN Statistical Commission, requesting an independent review of Indonesia’s Q2 2025 economic growth data released by Statistics Indonesia (BPS). CELIOS has highlighted a discrepancy between the official figures and real economic indicators. BPS reported growth of 5.12% (yoy), including manufacturing sector growth of 5.68%. However
Read publicationASEAN and China need their own climate compact
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in The Interpreter.
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Behind the green curtain: unpacking greenwashing in Indonesia’s China-backed investments
China often markets “green” investment as a branding strategy under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Yet behind the sustainability slogans lies a question: what narratives are actually being promoted in Indonesia? This report examines the background and context of Chinese investment, explains the practice of greenwashing, and highlights the negative impacts that have emerged. By examining the narratives, key actors, and policy gaps, the report seeks to reveal the realities behind the green labels that are often…
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Indonesian banks disburse USD7.2 billion for coal industry
The #BersihkanBankmu Coalition released its latest report, titled “Funding the Climate Crisis: How Banks in Indonesia Support Coal Financing,” highlighting the (still) strong financial support for coal companies. The report reveals that the five largest national banks provided USD5.6 billion of the total USD7.2 billion in financing. Bank Mandiri was the largest financier with USD3.2 billion, followed by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) with USD809.5 million, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) USD
Read publicationBali must not be a safe haven for former IDF soldiers
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
Read publicationThe case for strengthening Indonesia–UAE relations through the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Global Policy Journal.
Read publicationState-owned enterprises: between legal protection and public accountability
An opinion article by Muhammad Saleh, published in The Jakarta Post.
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