Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Time for a restorative economy
THIS BOOK began as a document—which at the time we called a booklet—prepared in the hope that it would spark healthy debate in society. The work took place, and specifically had to be completed by, a gathering of several civil society organizations in Yogyakarta in late August 2023. The reason behind the decision to create it was clear: we need more actors, including politicians, candidates for legislative bodies, candidates for regional head positions, and anyone else who can play a role
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Seizing control of the energy transition: the tragedy of regional autonomy in energy transition policy
This book seeks to explain how the dominance of the Central Government, legitimized in the name of energy sovereignty and national interests, has centralized electricity-related matters across licensing, guidance, and supervision, causing the burden of ensuring integrity to accumulate at the center. The book also presents an analysis through seven major topics, ranging from the conflict between the paradigms of state monopoly and energy democracy to the centralization of energy affairs in the draft renewable energy bill
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Geothermal in Indonesia: the dilemma of potential and exploitation in the name of the energy transition
This book seeks to examine the impacts of geothermal exploration and exploitation. It presents several analyses of geothermal power plant (PLTP) projects in various regions of Indonesia and in other countries. Debate over their benefits and harms is inevitable, but one thing is certain: existing PLTP projects, as well as those still in the planning stage, must be comprehensively evaluated. With justice and participation as guiding principles, PLTP development plans must involve various stakeholders, especially local residents
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China-Indonesia relations: 2023 year in review and 2024 outlook
2023 was another crucial year for China-Indonesia relations. Cooperation continued to grow across various dimensions. While politics and the economy remained focal points in the ties between China and Indonesia, the year also witnessed discussions on new issues in both Beijing and Jakarta. These included cooperation in the renewable energy sector, Indonesia’s potential membership in BRICS, and mapping the future direction of Indonesia’s foreign policy towards China in light of the upcoming presi
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From social movement to legal recognition: the legal politics of the Sibiruang Indigenous People’s Land Rights, from local to international perspectives
This book seeks to invite readers to explore the various regulatory frameworks in place at the local, national, and international levels governing the recognition and protection of Indigenous peoples. The aim is not merely to explore these frameworks in order to understand them, but also to encourage readers to consider and reflect on their direct impact on Indigenous peoples. The author is convinced and believes that Sibiruang—the case study discussed throughout this book—is onl
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Morowali dust
“Morowali Dust” is a novel inspired by the author’s experiences conducting research in the Morowali region. The author offers a vivid portrayal of the relationship between people and nature, and their struggle to preserve the balance of a fragile ecosystem. About the Authors Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara is an economist active in various areas of macroeconomic and public policy analysis. Founder and Executive Director of CELIOS (Center of Economic and Law Studies).
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Something is missing from ASEAN: a critical note on Indonesia’s foreign policy
Indonesia is often referred to as the “de facto leader of ASEAN” because of its historical contribution to ASEAN’s establishment in 1967 and its role in advancing ASEAN regionalism in subsequent years, particularly after the Cold War. Nevertheless, is Indonesia still an ASEAN leader today, or has it instead failed to address the region’s current problems? As ASEAN Chair in 2023, what challenges is Indonesia currently facing and must resolve
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Disaster capitalism: political economy crisis during the pandemic
The book *Disaster Capitalism: Political Economy Crisis During the Pandemic* explains what can be learned from capitalism’s metamorphosis throughout the tragedy of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, many denied that capitalism would grow stronger precisely amid a disaster. The Job Creation Law, Millennial Special Staff, Pre-Employment Card, social assistance corruption, and SOE bailouts are just a few symptoms of a new capitalism emerging in the name of a health disaster. This book is a critique of the haphazard handling of health policy...
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Debt swap scheme can support the energy transition in the Prabowo era
President Prabowo’s commitment at the G20 Summit in Brazil to end dependence on coal-fired power plants over the next 15 years needs to be acted on immediately. The estimated cost of retiring coal-fired power plants through 2050 reaches IDR 444 trillion, while the government’s fiscal space is narrowing as interest and debt payments next year are expected to absorb 45% of the state budget. In this context, CELIOS is offering an innovative solution in the form of a debt swap scheme to enable coal-fired power plant retirement to be
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12% VAT: a severe blow to the finances of Gen Z and the lower-middle class
The increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate to 12% starting January 1, 2025, could have a significant impact on the public. Although stipulated in Law No. 7 of 2021 on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations (HPP), the government actually has the flexibility to set VAT rates between 5–15%. This policy comes amid weakening household economic conditions, with consumption growth of just 4.91% (y-o-y) in Q3 2024 and -0.48% (q-to-q), and deflation for five consecutive
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Valuation of restorative economic impact: a pathway to overcoming Indonesia's economic stalemate
The CELIOS report titled “Calculating the Impact of a Restorative Economy: A Way Out of the Economic Stalemate” highlights the potential of a restorative economy to increase Indonesia’s economic output tenfold over the next 25 years, from Rp203.26 trillion to Rp2,208.7 trillion. A restorative economy, which combines ecosystem restoration with inclusive growth, focuses on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, which support more than 85% of Indonesia’s population. The study finds that an increase of 1
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Free Nutritious Meals: economic impacts and the consequences of the national budget deficit
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program is a priority of the Prabowo-Gibran administration, with a target of reaching 82 million beneficiaries, including schoolchildren, toddlers, and pregnant women. However, CELIOS warns that allocating IDR 71 trillion from the education budget to MBG could strain state finances and narrow fiscal space for other priority programs. Nailul Huda, CELIOS Director of Economics, stressed, “If the MBG program uses mandatory education spending, the quality of national education n
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