Jakarta – The Prasasti Center for Policy Studies, a newly established think tank, was officially launched on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Djakarta Theater, Central Jakarta.

Prasasti was founded as a strategic partner for stakeholders to advance collective success through comprehensive research, strategic dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration.

Carmelita Hartoto, Vice Chair Coordinator for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), attended the event representing Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie. She expressed Kadin’s full support for Prasasti’s presence, noting its potential to help voice business community perspectives more effectively.

“Kadin strongly supports the establishment of Prasasti because it’s much needed. At times, we face challenges in directly communicating with the government. With Prasasti, we hope it can act as a conduit — not only to convey our input, but also to conduct joint studies with Kadin that can be presented to policymakers,” said Carmelita.

Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, member of Prasasti’s Board of Advisors, emphasized that the think tank will serve as an independent body delivering objective assessments grounded in science and data — including evaluations of key national priority programs such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative.

“Prasasti’s role is to be a body that can provide objective assessments of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. I hope Prasasti can offer evaluations and insights to help improve, refine, and identify weak points — all based on data,” said Hashim.

Hashim also addressed the government’s ambitious goal of achieving 8% economic growth, expressing confidence that it is attainable with the support of current strategic programs such as downstream industrialization and Indonesia’s active and independent foreign policy, which is attracting global investment interest.

“President Prabowo Subianto has set a bold challenge with the 8% economic growth target. From what I’ve seen, investor interest is very strong. This shows that our commitment to a free and active foreign policy is working. I believe we will reach, and even exceed, that 8% target,” asserted Hashim, who also serves as Chairman of Kadin Indonesia’s Advisory Board.

Another Prasasti Board of Advisors member, Burhanuddin Abdullah, underscored the crucial role of think tanks in guiding national development strategies. He noted that Indonesia currently has a relatively small number of think tanks compared to other countries.

“Why are think tanks important in a rapidly changing world? A nation’s strength is not defined by its natural resources, but by its ability to manage knowledge — to think clearly, plan strategically, and formulate data-driven, public-interest-oriented policies,” Burhanuddin stated.

He pointed out that Indonesia only has around 37 think tanks, far fewer than the United States (over 2,000), China (around 1,400), India (around 600), and even Vietnam (about 180).

“These numbers reflect our nation’s intellectual ecosystem. A strong think tank serves a strategic role — linking science, invention, innovation, and policymaking,” he added.

The launch event was also attended by a large number of Kadin Indonesia executives, including M. Azis Syamsuddin, Vice Chair Coordinator for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, and Infrastructure, Juan Permata Adoe, Vice Chair Coordinator for Export Development, Taufan Eko Nugroho Rotorasiko, Vice Chair for Organizational Affairs, Widiyanto Saputro, Vice Chair for Membership, Suryani Motik, Vice Chair for Social Affairs and Disaster Management, Rifda Ammarina, Vice Chair for Marketing, Promotion, Innovation, and MSME Product Development, Tatyana Sentani Sutara, Vice Chair for Women's and Children's Empowerment, Yugi Prayanto, Vice Chair for Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Budiarsa Sastrawinata, Vice Chair for Plantation Affairs, Ali Duppa, Vice Chair for Regional Trade Development, Dhony Rahajoe, Vice Chair for Housing and Settlements, Teguh Anantawikrama, Vice Chair for MSME Technology Transformation and Digital Affairs, Budiarto Linggowijono, Vice Chair for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), R.M. Tedy Aliudin, Vice Chair for MSME Entrepreneurship, Akhmad Ma’ruf Maulana, Vice Chair for Special Economic Zones (SEZ), Industrial Zones, and National Strategic Projects, Junaidi Elvis, Vice Chair for Inter-Institutional and Regional Government Relations, Johanes Kennedy Aritonang, Vice Chair for Sumatra Region II (Riau, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, Jambi, Bengkulu), Tigor M. Siahaan, Vice Chair for Financing, Mufti Mubarok, Vice Chair for MSME and Cooperative Legal Protection, Saleh Husin, Vice Chair for Industrial Affairs, Halim Kalla, Vice Chair for Green Industry, Thomas Jusman, Vice Chair for Strategic Infrastructure, Rural Development, and Transmigration. Also in attendance were several Kadin Provincial Chairpersons, including Muhammad Iqbal Piyeung (Aceh), Buchari Bachter (West Sumatra), Firsal Dida Mutyara (North Sumatra), and Shinta Laksmi Dewi (South Kalimantan).