Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Legal opinion: risk mitigation framework for the phase-out of coal power plants operations in Indonesia’s just energy transition
CELIOS publishes a Legal Opinion on Legal Risk Mitigation for the Energy Transition Program to End Coal Operations as a basis for advocacy and discussion with stakeholders to accelerate the lawful and just closure of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs). The document examines legal challenges in ending CFPP operations, including potential financial claims and the risk of criminalizing energy transition policies. The study focuses on four key questions: the definition of corruption involving state financial losses,
Read publication
Critique of the 2025 energy transition roadmap: the fallacy of techno-financial logic behind coal fired power plant (PLTU) closures
This report critically examines Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 10 of 2025 on the Energy Transition Roadmap for the Electricity Sector, particularly its provisions on ending the operation of coal-fired power plants (PLTUs). It identifies a number of normative, methodological, and institutional weaknesses that instead hinder the acceleration of the energy transition. The roadmap was drafted with minimal public participation and low transparency, while positioning PLN as the dominant actor in studies on the early retirement of PLTUs—a situation that
Read publication
Key stakeholders’ perspectives on job transformation in Indonesia’s public and private sectors
Technological transformations such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms have changed how people work and sparked debate about the future of work (The Future of Work). These changes bring both opportunities and risks—from growing demand for a workforce equipped with digital skills to the potential replacement of manual and administrative jobs by machines. In Indonesia, this challenge is becoming increasingly urgent because the current workforce’s capacity is not yet fully…
Read publication
The triple impact of gas power plant expansion: economic growth, public health, and environmental consequences
Indonesia’s energy transition policy is still considered insufficiently ambitious because it leaves room for various false solutions, such as CCS/CCUS technology, palm oil-based bioenergy, and the expansion of gas and nuclear power. Greenpeace and CELIOS have released a report highlighting the dangers of using fossil gas as a transition energy source, which could instead hinder progress toward clean energy targets. The report’s findings show that expanding fossil gas power plants will cause significant losses for e
Read publication
How much do consumers lose from adulterated Pertamax? A recap of consumer complaints and consumer loss modeling
CELIOS and LBH Jakarta have released a report titled “How Much Do Consumers Lose from Adulterated Pertamax? A Recap of Consumer Complaints and Consumer Loss Modeling,” revealing the scale of the losses suffered by the public as a result of suspected fuel adulteration. The study documents consumers’ real-life experiences while also modeling the resulting economic impacts. Its findings show that the losses are not only felt by individuals but also affect the national economy. These findings revea
Read publication
The fallout of PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry closure: How Danantara can save Indonesia’s critical minerals
The potential closure of PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (PT GNI), a Chinese-owned nickel smelter in Central Sulawesi with 12,000 employees and USD 3 billion in investment, poses major risks to Indonesia’s nickel industry and foreign investment climate. Yet, this challenge also offers a strategic opening for reform. An acquisition by BPI Danantara could be a key step in ensuring operational continuity, protecting jobs, and strengthening national control over the critical mineral supply chain.
Read publication
Building a restorative economy in villages: A solution to combat the illusion of self-sufficiency
CELIOS has released a new study on strengthening restorative economies in villages as an alternative to the illusion of self-sufficiency. The study finds that 23,472 villages in Indonesia have high restorative potential, but 95.40% still show little initiative in advancing this agenda. Low awareness and engagement among village governments and communities have worsened environmental and economic problems caused by unchecked natural resource exploitation. The study
Read publication
Assessing the economic losses of delaying the appointment of civil servant candidates
The nine-month delay in the appointment of 250,407 Civil Servant Candidates (CPNS)—originally scheduled for March 2025 and now pushed back to October 2025 or even March 2026—has created economic uncertainty and widespread financial losses. The delay was driven by shifting priorities under the Prabowo administration, budget efficiency measures amounting to IDR306 trillion, and deficit pressures stemming from debt and previous infrastructure spending. The economic impact is substantial: IDR6.76 trillion has been lost in potential income
Read publication
Legal issues and risks in the regulation of the establishment of Danantara
CELIOS has just released a Brief Analysis on various legal issues in the regulations governing the Investment Management Agency (BPI) Danantara. As a newly established super-holding entity created under Law No. 1 of 2025 and Government Regulation No. 10 of 2025, Danantara’s presence raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, weak regulation, and a lack of oversight mechanisms. CELIOS’ findings highlight several critical issues: ministers holding dual positions, which could violate the State Ministry Law, losses
Read publication
The prospects of decarbonizing Indonesia’s steel industry: How green steel helps shape industry competitiveness
The global steel industry is accelerating its transition towards net-zero emissions, with roadmaps emphasizing the use of green hydrogen and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. However, Indonesia’s steel sector faces significant challenges, as carbon emissions rose sharply between 2019 and 2020 and are projected to reach 24.9 million tons by 2030. Although companies such as Krakatau Steel and Posco Korea have begun decarbonization efforts, their expansion plans—such as the “Cilegon 10 Million Ton Stee
Read publication
Looking towards MENA (Middle East and North Africa): Alternative investment partners for Indonesia’s energy transition
CELIOS launched the Indonesia-MENA Desk alongside its study “Looking Towards MENA: Alternative Investment Partners for Indonesia’s Energy Transition.” The report emphasizes the importance of seeking new financing partners amid shifts in global geopolitics. Donald Trump’s pro-fossil agenda, which could weaken international climate cooperation, as well as China’s dominance in financing coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) in Indonesia, show the risks of relying solely on longstanding partners in the clean energy transition. S
Read publication
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
Read publication