Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Indonesia’s nickel: what is seen and what remains buried
Indonesia sits at the center of one of the most consequential resource stories of our time. As the world's largest nickel producer, it holds a pivotal position in the supply chains feeding the electric vehicle boom — a position its government has worked deliberately to strengthen through downstream processing mandates and a rapid buildout of smelting infrastructure. Nickel exports have climbed sharply over the past five years, and on paper, the country looks like a rare winner in the global clea
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Amicus curiae by CELIOS – Administrative Court of Kupang
The Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) has submitted an amicus curiae brief in Case Number 26/G/TF/PTUN.KPG on behalf of Agustinus Tuju, an Indigenous community leader from Poco Leok, in a case concerning opposition to the geothermal development project against the Regent of Manggarai before the Administrative Court of Kupang. This legal opinion is presented to strengthen the protection of constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of peaceful expression and the rights of Indigenous communities
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Survey: Prabowo–Gibran’s 1-Year Performance Report Card
One Year of Prabowo–Gibran: A Failing Grade from the Public CELIOS has released the results of its One-Year Performance Evaluation of the Prabowo–Gibran Government, assessing program achievements, leadership, budget governance, policy communication, and law enforcement. The evaluation was conducted through a panel survey of 120 journalists from 60 national media outlets and a public survey of 1,338 respondents across Indonesia. The results show failing grades in nearly every sector. Prabowo Subianto scored 3 out of 10, Gibran
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Mining false solutions: The controversy of JETP in the Ijen Geothermal Project
In the implementation of the JETP program, the Blawan-Ijen geothermal power plant project in East Java secured substantial funding, including USD 126 million from the DFC. However, field studies show that the project’s implementation falls far short of the “just” principles promised in the JETP documents. There is a discrepancy between the Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) and practices on the ground, from consultations held only through the Village Heads Forum without directly involving residents, to community complaints that went unanswered by the company. Instead of
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Who benefits from ocean sand exports? Economic and environmental impacts of ocean sand regulations
Jakarta, October 2, 2024— The government’s decision to relax sea sand exports through Government Regulation No. 26/2023 and Ministerial Decree No. 16/2024 has drawn sharp criticism from academics, environmental activists, and coastal communities. The policy is considered harmful to marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and fishers’ livelihoods. CELIOS Digital Economy Director Nailul Huda stated, “Our simulation found a negative impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of IDR 1.22 trillion, and people’s incomes will decline by as much as
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Press release – green industry and greenwashing
PRESS RELEASE The SETARA Civil Society Coalition (Save North Kalimantan) Launches Report Titled Green Lies, Containing Findings of Social and Ecological Violations at the Indonesia Green Industrial Zone (KIHI-KIPI) in Tanah Kuning-Mangkupadi, North Kalimantan. Bulungan, North Kalimantan, July 15, 2024— The SETARA Civil Society Coalition, comprising NUGAL Institute, Perkumpulan Lingkar Hutan Lestari (PLHL), Greenpeace Indonesia, CELIOS, EN, and JATAM East Kalimantan, together with several representatives of affected communities
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CELIOS x Greenpeace: illusory prosperity in the extractive sector
Mining and quarrying are often among the main contributors to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2023, the sector contributed up to 9.62% of total GDP after contracting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector is also often touted as one of Indonesia’s largest job creators. Even so, 7.2 million people were recorded as unemployed as of February 2024. Although the open unemployment rate declined by more than 600,000 people from t
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CELIOS x WALHI: geothermal energy: economic and environmental impacts
Jakarta, March 5, 2024 – The development of Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP) in Indonesia, although promoted as part of the energy transition, has social and economic impacts on local communities. Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director of CELIOS, emphasized, “Capital-intensive geothermal projects tend not to generate significant multiplier effects for local economies. On the contrary, local communities often view geothermal development as an obstacle to productivity in agriculture and
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CELIOS x CREA: economic and health impact of nickel processing industry
Jakarta, 20 February 2024— Global demand for nickel is rising alongside the growing popularity of electric cars. To increase state revenues by exporting only processed nickel, President Joko Widodo banned the export of nickel ore in 2020. Nickel downstreaming is now an important issue for Indonesia amid the election year. The ban on nickel ore exports and the increase in domestic processing have raised the value of nickel exports from USD 4 billion in 2017 to USD 34 billion in
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The economic impact of early retirement of coal-fired power plants
A study by Yayasan Indonesia CERAH and CELIOS found that the early retirement of coal-fired power plants (PLTUs), replaced by renewable energy plants, is more economically beneficial. Bhima Yudhistira, CELIOS Executive Director, stated, “The scenario of retiring coal-fired PLTUs alongside the development of renewable energy plants could contribute IDR 82.6 trillion to the economy, create 639,000 jobs, and reduce poverty by 153,755 people nationwide.” Agung Budiono from CERAH added, “Between early retirement
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Green industrial area infected by coal power plant: economic impacts, conflicts of interest, and environmental threats
The construction of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) in the North Kalimantan Green Industrial Zone (KIHI) is projected to have negative economic impacts, including Rp3.93 trillion in output losses, a Rp3.68 trillion decline in community income, and Rp51.5 billion in losses to the fisheries sector. “Companies behind the investment in coal-fired power plants need to promptly consider terminating any contracts or purchase agreements for as long as construction of the coal-fired power plants continues,” said Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director of CELIOS.
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Press release: efforts to attract green investment hindered by coal-fired power plants in industrial zones
Jakarta—In front of German investors at the opening of Hannover Messe in mid-April 2023, President Jokowi stated that all coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) would be closed by 2025, a date later clarified as 2050. Despite this revision, the government still permits the construction of captive coal-fired power plants in the Indonesia Green Industrial Park (KIHI). As an illustration, the KIHI project will be located in three villages (Tanah Kuning, Mangkupadi, and Binai) in Bulungan Regency
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