Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Artificial intelligence and the importance of proving whether someone is human or a robot
Opinion article by Nailul Huda, published in Katadata.
Read publication
Budget cuts for fiscal justice and people's welfare
CELIOS has released its latest report highlighting a budget efficiency strategy worth IDR 306.7 trillion. If implemented properly, this reallocation could expand social protection programs and improve public welfare. However, CELIOS warns that if the budget is concentrated solely on the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program under a universal coverage scheme, the risk of a heavy fiscal burden is unavoidable. As an alternative, CELIOS recommends a more efficient targeted approach, where
Read publicationLearning from the eFishery case: the importance of governance and the role of investors
Opinion article by Nailul Huda, published in Tech Asia in Indonesia.
Read publication
Mandatory TPL vehicle insurance: A solution or a new burden for the public?
CELIOS has just released its latest report on the mandatory Third Party Liability (TPL) motor vehicle insurance policy. The study finds potential negative impacts on the national economy and the public, especially lower- and middle-income groups. If implemented, the policy risks reducing public income by up to IDR 20.7 trillion, lowering GDP by IDR 21 trillion, and reducing employment by 3.4 million people. Small businesses, such as those in the culinary sector, are also projected to
Read publication
China-Indonesia relations: 2024 year in review and 2025 outlook
This book explores the evolving China-Indonesia relationship throughout 2024, highlighting both achievements and challenges across various sectors. Indonesia's push to join BRICS underscores its growing global influence, while trade with China continues to expand despite tensions in the ceramics and textiles industries. Cooperation in agriculture, technology, and renewable energy reflects both nations' commitment to economic and environmental sustainability. Chinese investments in electric vehic
Read publication
Chinese hand in Indonesia housing scheme brings challenges, opportunities
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama, published in NUS.
Read publication
Examining the economic impacts of oil palm land expansion
Opinion article by Jaya Darmawan, published in Mongabay.
Read publication
Indonesia’s evolving maritime and defense cooperation with China: balancing diplomacy and sovereignty
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in China Global South.
Read publication
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...
Read publicationArtificial Intelligence: A Game Changer for Indonesia’s Digital Economy
Opinion article by Nailul Huda, published in Investor Daily.
Read publicationWang Lutong’s diplomatic challenges as China’s new envoy to Indonesia
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in China Global South.
Read publication
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
Read publication