Prasasti Think Tank Launched to Boost Evidence-Based Policy in Indonesia

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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesia has officially launched the Prasasti Center for Policy Studies, a new independent think tank aimed at bridging knowledge, innovation, and public policy amid increasingly complex global dynamics. The initiative is backed by prominent national figures including Presidential Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo and former Bank Indonesia Governor Burhanuddin Abdullah.

The think tank seeks to address what its founders describe as a critical shortfall in Indonesia’s policy research ecosystem. Hashim noted that while the United States has more than 2,000 think tanks, China over 1,400, and even Vietnam—much smaller in size—has 180, Indonesia lags far behind with just 37 institutions.

“This is not just about numbers,” Hashim said at the launch event held at Djakarta XXI in Thamrin on Monday, June 30, 2025. “It’s a mirror of our nation’s intellectual infrastructure. Strong think tanks are connectors of knowledge, innovation, and public interest. They are vital for keeping public reasoning aligned with constitutional principles.”

Hashim emphasized that national greatness lies not in natural resources, but in the capacity to think clearly, act strategically, and craft people-centered policies.

Burhanuddin Abdullah echoed the sentiment, describing Prasasti’s formation as the result of years of reflection. “With only 37 think tanks, it's time to add one more. Let Prasasti be the 38th—a place for collaboration and strategic reminders as we advance toward Indonesia Emas 2040,” he said.

As an independent institution, Prasasti is committed to delivering transformational, practical, and sustainable policy recommendations through rigorous research, cross-sector dialogue, and strategic engagement.

Leadership and Governance

Board of Advisors

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Founder of PT Arsari Group

Burhanuddin Abdullah, Governor of Bank Indonesia (2003–2008)

Gandi Sulistyanto, Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea (2021–2023)

Ellyus Achirudidin, President Commissioner of Triputra Utama Selaras

Prijono Sugiarto, President Commissioner of Astra International

Board of Trustees

Fuad Bawazier, Minister of Finance (1998)

Jimly Asshiddiqie, Constitutional Law Professor, Universitas Indonesia

Ilya Avianti, Professor of Economics, Universitas Padjadjaran

Ronald Waas, Former Deputy Governor, Bank Indonesia

Laode Masihu Kamaluddin, Rector of UICI

Soedrajad Djiwandono, Governor of Bank Indonesia (1993–1998)

Board of Experts

Arcandra Tahar, Former Deputy Minister of Energy

Chatib Basri, Former Finance Minister (2013–2014)

Halim Alamsyah, Former Chairman of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation

Erica Soeroto, Former President Director, Sarana Multigriya Finansial

Nawal Nely, Former Deputy at Ministry of SOEs

Pramudya A. Oktavinanda, Managing Partner, UMBRA Legal

Board of Management

Nila Marita, Executive Director

Piter Abdullah, Policy & Program Director

Gundy Cahyadi, Research Director