Preserving ideas in writing, for policy that stands with the public.
Independent research for public policy. Preserving ideas in writing, hoping to contribute to society through clear thinking.
Six broad fields where our research tries to make a real contribution.
Public Policy & Governance
Institutional design, bureaucratic reform, and the quality of public decisions.
Economy & Labor
Inclusive growth, labor markets, and fiscal fairness across regions.
Education & Human Capital
Learning quality, access, and readiness of the future workforce.
Geopolitics & International Relations
Shifting global power, diplomacy, regional security, and Indonesia's strategic position.
Technology & Military
Defense technology, military artificial intelligence, and shifting strategic power.
Health & Welfare
Social protection systems, healthcare, and household resilience.
Book Reviews
Critical reviews of important books on policy, economics, history, and ideas.
Latest
See all →Governing Energy Subsidies: Toward a Just Transition
Energy subsidies absorb hundreds of trillions of rupiah yearly, yet benefits leak to the well-off.
Review: "Power and Progress" — Who Steers Technology
A review of the argument that technological progress does not automatically benefit the many — its direction is set by who holds power.
Why Food Inflation Hits Poor Households Harder
For the poorest families, food eats up over half of spending.
The Digital Divide and Post-Pandemic Learning
The pandemic accelerated school digitalization but widened the gap between the connected and the left-behind. We measure the impact on learning outcomes.
Mapping Indonesia's Trade Dependence Amid Global Rivalry
A visualization of Indonesia's trade ties with major global powers, and the vulnerability points should geopolitical rivalry intensify.
Notes on the Data Protection Rules: What Changes
Implementing rules for personal data protection are finally out. We summarize the practical implications for citizens, businesses, and the state.