Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.

Memo on village cooperatives series
Memo Kopdes Series #2 – CELIOS Kopdes MP in Turmoil (Again): From “Divine Inspiration” to Public Policy, from (Claiming to Be) a Cooperative to Competing with MSMEs Key Findings: Kopdes MP Lacks Policy Urgency Indonesia already has 139,203 cooperatives, yet the government has chosen to establish 83,259 new Village Cooperatives (Kopdes MP) instead of strengthening existing ones. Fiscal Risks Shifted to the State Budget The program's financing could reach IDR 240 trillion (up to IDR 3 billio
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Policy note: multiple shocks to local food prices: rupiah depreciation and non-subsidized fuel price increases
Indonesia is facing multiple simultaneous shocks—including the depreciation of the rupiah, rising global oil prices, adjustments to non-subsidized fuel prices, and the expansion of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program through SPPG—which together are likely to intensify pressure on food inflation. The depreciation of the rupiah is associated with higher food prices, particularly for import-sensitive commodities such as garlic, beef, and soybeans. The relationship typically begins to emerge ar
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Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG), the rupiah exchange rate, and food price dynamics: is the expansion of SPPG associated with local price pressures?
A recent study by the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) examines the relationship between the expansion of Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), fluctuations in the rupiah exchange rate, and food price dynamics across Indonesian districts and municipalities. Key findings include: Every additional 10 SPPG units is associated with an average increase of approximately 0.08% in overall food prices at the district/city level. Every additional 10 SPPG units is associated with a 0.12
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Side effects of formalizing gig workers in Indonesia
Indonesia’s gig economy exhibits unique characteristics compared to developed countries, where the shift from informal work toward semi-formal or formal employment is still at an early stage. Although digitalization has introduced elements of formality, such as recording workers’ activities in systems or apps, challenges remain around social protection and job security for gig workers. The flexibility offered by this sector creates new opportunities, but also poses
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Mapping the interactions of three 2024 Indonesian presidential candidates with China
Jakarta, August 4, 2023—Ahead of the 2024 election, CELIOS highlighted the interactions of the three presidential candidates with China. Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, Director of China-Indonesia Studies at CELIOS, stated, “Compared to Anies, Ganjar and Prabowo have more interactions with China.” Prabowo frequently meets senior Chinese officials to discuss defense partnerships, while Ganjar has signed various regional cooperation agreements with China. Meanwhile, Anies has focused more on building relations with the United States and
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Critical points in the Renewable Energy Bill: quo vadis energy transition and Indonesia's renewable energy roadmap?
This policy brief focuses on energy transition policies and the New and Renewable Energy (EBT) roadmap as set out in Articles 6 and 7 of the EBT Bill. It aims to examine policy issues, assess the state of the national electricity sector, and propose improvements to EBT policies and the roadmap. The study finds that the energy transition and EBT roadmap do not yet promote energy democracy, are not integrated with national development planning, and are not aligned with RUEN and RUE
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