Jakarta, 30 June 2025 — Prasasti Center for Policy Studies (Prasasti), an independent think tank initiated by several distinguished Indonesian intellectuals, was officially launched today (30/6). Among the nation’s leading thinkers behind the establishment of Prasasti are Burhanuddin Abdullah, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Jimly Asshiddiqie, Gandi Sulistiyanto, Ilya Avianti, and other prominent figures serving on the Board of Trustees and Board of Experts (full list attached). This think tank is designed to serve as a bridge between industry, government, and civil society — including farmers and fishers.

“In an era of rapid global change, including rising geopolitical tensions, great nations are those that do not merely react, but are able to identify and seize opportunities grounded in knowledge, experience, and a long-term vision. Indonesia needs more strategic dialogue partners who can provide actionable insights for policy-making that has a real, lasting impact on the future,” said Burhanuddin Abdullah, Member of Prasasti’s Board of Advisors, in his remarks at the Jakarta launch event.

Burhanuddin noted that Indonesia currently has only around 37 think tanks — far fewer than the United States (over 2,000), India (around 600), China (around 1,400), or even Vietnam (around 180). Yet, think tanks play a vital role in bridging public policy formulation.

The name Prasasti was chosen because, much like stone inscriptions in history, public policy serves as a marker of its time — reflecting the values, decisions, and directions that will shape the future. Every challenge and opportunity offers lessons to be learned.

“Through well-documented studies and actionable recommendations, we hope Prasasti will contribute to Indonesia’s intellectual legacy — guiding strong, strategic public policies that will benefit future generations,” explained Burhanuddin, who previously served as Indonesia’s Governor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C.

The launch opened with a keynote speech by Hashim Djojohadikusumo, a member of Prasasti’s Board of Advisors, who highlighted Indonesia’s untapped potential and its strategic position as a key global trade route.

“Indonesia is blessed with abundant resources — from minerals and marine wealth to human capital and strategic geography. But resources alone are not enough. We need a long-term vision, reality-based policies, and a spirit of collaboration to truly maximize this potential. A think tank like Prasasti can provide independent, data-driven strategic recommendations for effective public policy,” Hashim said.

Also speaking at the event, Nila Marita Indreswari, Executive Director of Prasasti, emphasized that the organization was designed not only for research but also to actively foster cross-sector policy dialogue.

“Cross-sector collaboration is essential to building a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. From there, we can craft sharper, more relevant recommendations with a higher chance of effective implementation,” Nila said.

Prasasti’s launch received strong support from strategic partners across sectors: Djarum Foundation and PT Astra International Tbk as Keystone Partners; Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Panbil Group, PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk, and PT Triputra Agro Persada Tbk as Lead Partners; Sinarmas Group and NEM as Supporting Partners; and PT Alamtri Resources Indonesia Tbk as Participating Partner. The backing of these strategic partners underscores the collaborative spirit to strengthen Indonesia’s policy ecosystem.

About Prasasti

Prasasti Center for Policy Studies is an independent Indonesian think tank established to contribute to transformative, practical, and sustainable public policy solutions through comprehensive research, strategic dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration. Prasasti serves as a convergence point for data and strategy to support public policy.

As an independent think tank focusing on economic, geopolitical, and public policy issues, Prasasti produces research and recommendations to help guide Indonesia’s development agenda. Prasasti supports policymakers in responding to evolving realities, strengthening resilience, and shaping a sustainable future for the nation.

Attachment

17 Distinguished Experts on the Boards of Prasasti: Center for Policy Studies
(in alphabetical order)

Board of Advisors

• Burhanuddin Abdullah – Governor, Bank Indonesia (2003–2008); Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industry (2001)
• Ellysius Achruddin – President Commissioner, PT Triputra Utama Selaras; President Director, PT Bukit Enim Energi
• Gandi Sulistiyanto – Member, Presidential Advisory Council (2023–2024); Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea (2021–2023)
• Hashim Djojohadikusumo – Founder, PT Arsari Group (2008–present)
• Prijono Sugiarto – President Commissioner, PT Astra International Tbk (2020–present); President Director, PT Astra International Tbk (2010–2020)

Board of Trustees

• Fuad Bawazier – Minister of Finance, Republic of Indonesia (1998)
• Ilya Avianti – Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran; Head of Audit and Commissioner, Financial Services Authority (OJK) (2012–2017)
• Jimly Asshiddiqie – Professor of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia (1998–present); Chief Justice, Constitutional Court (2003–2008)
• Laode Masihu Kamaluddin – Professor, Faculty of Economics, Universitas Islam Malang (2007–present); Rector, UICI (present); Coordinator, Economic Recovery Team to the Vice President of Indonesia (2002–2004)
• Ronald Waas – Commissioner, KPEI (2023–present); Deputy Governor, Bank Indonesia (2011–2016)
• Soedrajad Djiwandono – Professor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU Singapore (2002–present); Governor, Bank Indonesia (1993–1998)

Board of Experts

• Arcandra Tahar – Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (2016–2019); Vice President Commissioner, PT Pertamina (Persero) (2016–2019)
• Chatib Basri – Minister of Finance, Republic of Indonesia (2013–2014); Chairman, Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) (2012–2013)
• Erica Soeroto – Independent Consultant on Housing Finance (2017–present); President Director, PT Sarana Multigriya Finansial (Persero) (2005–2011)
• Halim Alamsyah – Chairman, Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) (2015–2020); Deputy Governor, Bank Indonesia (2010–2015)
• Nawal Nely – Deputy Minister of SOEs for Finance and Risk Management (2020–2024); Commissioner, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) (2020–2024)
• Pramudya A. Oktavinanda – Managing Partner, UMBRA – Strategic Legal Solutions (2017–present); Associate Partner, Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners (2005–2017)

Board of Management

• Nila Marita Indreswari – Executive Director; Director of Corporate Affairs, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (2017–2025); Head of Corporate & Financial Communication, Edelman Indonesia (2007–2013); 24 years’ experience in communications and public affairs
• Piter Abdullah – Policy & Program Director; Member, Supervisory Board, Bank Indonesia (2023–present); Executive Director, Segara Research Institute (2022–present); 25 years’ experience in economics and research
• Gundy Cahyadi – Research Director; Research Director, Katadata Insight Center (2023–2025); Regional Economist, DBS Bank (2013–2018) and OCBC Bank (2010–2013); 19 years’ experience in economic and financial market research
• Aziz Hasibuan – Advocacy & Communication Director; Partner, Evlogia Advisory (2024–present); Co-founder & CEO, RRQ Mabar (2022–2024); 21 years’ experience in communications, public affairs, and media