Publications
Evidence with a purpose.
Reports, policy briefs, press releases, books, and public commentary in one searchable archive.
Are the People Being “Poisoned” by the Government? Tens of Thousands Affected by Suspected MBG-Related Food Poisoning, Yet the Crisis Is Treated as Trivial
Key Findings from CELIOS Memo #MBG Series 6 The 43,838 victims are not isolated incidents—they reflect a systemic failure. In the first three days of September alone, more than 1,908 people were affected in incidents linked to at least six different SPPG kitchens. MBG-related food poisoning has caused up to IDR 40.38 billion in socioeconomic losses, including medical expenses, productivity losses, and out-of-pocket costs. Nearly IDR 12 billion of these costs must be borne directly by the victims’ families.
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Indonesia’s Education System Battered by MBG
CELIOS’ Latest Study on MBG — 18 August 2026 MBG is still planned to continue in 2027, with an allocation of Rp240 trillion, equivalent to 29.3% of the national education budget. The government is failing to respond to the warning signs, learn from past failures, and fulfill its responsibility. Since Sudaryono was appointed, at least 1,557 people have reportedly been affected by suspected food poisoning linked to MBG. Yet instead of addressing the root causes and ensuring accountability, thes
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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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CELIOS Expert Opinion on the Judicial Review of the Teachers and Lecturers Law
Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Executive Director of CELIOS, has submitted a written expert opinion in his capacity as an economist for the judicial review of Law No. 14 of 2005 on Teachers and Lecturers before the Constitutional Court (Case No. 272/PUU-XXIII/2025). The expert opinion provides an economic perspective on the issues raised in the petition, contributing evidence-based analysis to support the Constitutional Court's review of the challenged provisions. Expert Opinion by Bhima Yudhistira – Constitutional Court, Teachers and Lecturers Law
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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), 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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Indonesia Economic Inequality 2026
The report Indonesia Economic Inequality 2026: Republic of Oligarchy shows a clear reality: inequality in Indonesia is getting worse and harder to justify. The wealth of the 50 richest people is equal to that of 55 million Indonesians. At the same time, workers’ wages barely increase while top wealth keeps growing rapidly. This report explains why. It’s not just the market—it’s how the economic and political system works. Wealth is concentrated in extractive sectors like mining and energy, and
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Constitutional Lawsuit on the Governance of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in the State Budget
Key Points of the Constitutional Challenge to the Governance of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in the State Budget We have submitted a Judicial Review of the State Budget Law (APBN Law) to examine the governance of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), which raises several serious concerns regarding the management of public finances. The main objections raised in this petition include the following: Abuse of authority in the management of public funds, as the MBG program was established w
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(Not) Nutritious, (Not) Free Meals
When (Not) Nutritious, (Not) Free Meals The Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) is touted as a flagship program of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. The government, through Bappenas, identifies 4 main objectives for MBG. These include meeting the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups. The program is also intended to improve the quality of education. MBG is expected to boost the local economy. The program is also claimed to create jobs. President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly said that MBG is the provis
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Low Wages, High Hopes: Inside Indonesia’s Fashion Supply Chains
CELIOS’ new report “Low Wages, High Hopes” sheds light on the harsh realities behind Indonesia’s textile, garment, shoe, and leather industries. Drawing on DecentWorkCheck survey data from 2017–2024, the study finds widespread short-term contracts, wage theft, and declining social protection—trends worsened by deregulation under the Job Creation Law. The report calls for stronger labor enforcement and greater accountability from global fashion brands to ensure decent work and fair pay across I
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Prabowo–Gibran’s 1-Year Performance Report Card
One Year of Prabowo–Gibran: A Failing Grade from the Public CELIOS releases the results of its Evaluation of the First Year of the Prabowo–Gibran Administration, 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 almost every sector. Prabowo Subianto received a score of 3 out of 10, Gibran
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