Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentaries in one searchable archive.
The economic diversification potential of North Maluku Province
Since 2020, North Maluku has become the focus of the Indonesian government’s ambitions in nickel mining and downstream processing. The impact has been significant: on paper, the province has recorded double-digit economic growth since 2021. Even in 2022 and 2023, amid the pressures of COVID-19, growth still exceeded 20%. Although this looks impressive, excessive reliance on nickel poses serious risks to the local economy and the environment. Nickel is a finite commodity, with prices and demand...
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The economic diversification potential of Konawe: moving beyond the extractive development model
Although the nickel boom has brought an extraordinary surge in economic growth to Southeast Sulawesi—particularly Konawe Regency—it is by no means a recipe for sustainable development. Complete dependence on nickel leaves Konawe’s future vulnerable on multiple fronts. Nickel is a non-renewable resource, and its price is heavily influenced by volatility in international markets. Furthermore, overexploitation can cause serious environmental damage,
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Morowali’s economic diversification potential for non-mining products
The RPJPN 2025–2045 has emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable economic growth at both the provincial and regency levels. For Morowali, this mandate underscores the urgent need to move away from an economy that is overly dependent on nickel mining and processing. The regency needs a more resilient economic model—one that can secure long-term prosperity while safeguarding the environment. In this report, CELIOS designs several economic diversification strategies…
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Unpacking Prabowo’s UN speech on Palestine
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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The national strategic projects paradox: economic growth at the expense of quality
CELIOS Executive Director Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara gave expert testimony at the Constitutional Court during the judicial review hearing of the Job Creation Law. He emphasized that National Strategic Projects (PSN) often prioritize private investors’ profits over the public interest, ultimately triggering agrarian conflicts, environmental damage, and low-quality economic growth. Rather than creating jobs and improving welfare, PSN instead risks deepening
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Plan to modify World Heritage forest boundaries for geothermal: a new threat to forests, communities, and Indonesia’s reputation
Jakarta, 22 September 2025 – The government, through the Ministry of Forestry, plans to modify the boundary of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) via UNESCO, in order to build a 5 GW Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Suoh and Sekincau, West Lampung. This move marks a major setback in tropical forest conservation efforts and undermines Indonesia’s environmental diplomacy reputation, particularly in the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil. UNESCO World Heritage Potential The 2.5 million-he
Read publicationUniversitas Indonesia takes steps toward stronger solidarity with Palestine
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
Read publicationIndonesia at the 2025 Arab–Islamic summit: Firm words, familiar mantra
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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Indonesia’s infrastructure minister Beijing visit: Key takeaways
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat Yeta Purnama, published in The China Global South Project.
Read publicationPrabowo’s September visit to the UAE: Pushing Indonesia deeper into the Middle East conversation?
An opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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Open letter to UN OHCHR: urgent call to monitor, investigate, and report the escalating crisis in Indonesia
The current situation in Indonesia reflects a serious decline in democratic life and the protection of human rights. Repressive actions by state apparatus against peaceful demonstrations increasingly underscore a pattern of restrictions on civic space, while reviving the shadow of authoritarian practices from the past. Arbitrary arrests, violence by state apparatus, and the involvement of the military in civilian affairs are warning signs of the weakening of the rule of law
Read publicationIndonesia’s stance on Israel’s strike on Qatar
Opinion article by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, published in Middle East Monitor.
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