Universities as knowledge production centers are expected to produce researches that could inform policy recommendations and be beneficial for the public. However, despite the sheer amount of researches conducted, not many are applicable or suitable to public needs.

An evaluation of the National Health Insurance (JKN) scheme by Gadjah Mada University’s Centre for Health Policy and Management (PKMK) has highlighted the achievement of eight policy targets in the 2014-2019 JKN Road Map. The study was undertaken as part of PKMK’s partnership with the Knowledge Sector Initiative.

In the lead up to the 2019 Indonesia Development Forum (IDF), the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency has held Road to IDF events in Batam and Semarang. These events aim to capture ideas and initiatives to address Indonesia’s development challenges, relevant to the theme of IDF 2019, “Mission Possible: Seizing the Opportunities of Future Work to Drive Inclusive Growth”

Cakra Wikara Indonesia (CWI), a policy research institute focused on politics and gender issues, has shared the results of their survey on inequality in the senior ranks of Indonesia’s civil service, based on data from 34 ministries. The survey found that although the men and women were recruited in equal numbers, their career paths diverged significantly.

In contrast to various neighbouring countries and various Western democracies, the collection and use of citizen’s data remains largely unregulated in Indonesia. Civil society groups are pushing for a Private Data Protection Law to be passed, but this will not be in place prior to April’s legislative and presidential elections, in which political candidates and parties are expected to use big data to more effectively target their campaigns.

Research management is increasingly complex, and requires specialist skills, beyond those of academics and bureacrats.

On Tuesday 29 January 2019, the Ministry for Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) launched the 2019 Indonesia Development Forum. This is the third Indonesia Development Forum hosted by Bappenas with the support of the Australian Government through the Knowledge Sector Initiative (KSI).

Good research can help produce public policies that meet community needs. Inclusive policy needs to be based on good practices and research that involves persons with disabilities. This means that persons with disabilities are not simply the objects of research, but are engaged in initiating and formulating policies.

New Mandala, an academic blog on Southeast Asian affairs, has announced the six recipients of its fellowship program which aims to improve the writing skills of Indonesian researchers. The fellowship recipients are expected to contribute analysis on key policy issues in the lead-up to, and during, the 2019 presidential election.

Strengthening the quality of research and development (R&D) for policy within government agencies is an important foundation for improving the quality of policy. To support this goal, the Aceh Provincial Government is revitalising its planning and R&D functions, based on evidence from the last ten years of Aceh’s implementation of special autonomy.

Developing public policies based on evidence is a key challenge for today’s policymakers. But partnerships between government, industry, research organisations and universities can help support good policy making.

The Indonesia Development Forum (IDF) is a platform for national dialogue on development. Hosted by the Ministry of National Development Planning, IDF brings together leaders in government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to discuss solutions to Indonesia’s key development challenges. This year, IDF was held on 10 - 11 July 2018 with the overarching theme of ‘Pathways to Tackle Regional Disparities Across The Archipelago’.

the Presidential Decree Number 16/2018 concerning Public Procurement opens a new dimension that moves toward a more inclusive and participatory development. This new decree has served as an "entrance" to a more synergized cooperation between government and community organizations which will hopefully lead to the improved public services delivered to people at the grass root level.

Presidential Regulation No. 16/2018 on public procurement is a breath of fresh air for civil society organisations focused on improving public services. In addition to enabling civil society groups to access government funds, the regulation will also encourage these groups to improve their financial management and be more accountable.

A regular forum aimed at encouraging the development of the knowledge sector ecosystem in Indonesia through partnerships between the private sector (companies and philanthropy) and research institutions, namely Research & Business Forum was held again in Jakarta, 29 August 2018. The 4th Edition of the Research & Business Forum held by Corporate-Community Partnership for Health Indonesia (CCPHI) in collaboration with the Knowledge Sector Initiative (KSI) takes the theme of "The Role of Research Institutions and The Industry in Encouraging Evidence-Based Policies".