TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Lampung, Bustanul Arifin, highlights the phenomenon of Indonesian government policies that often miss the target. According to him, one of the causes of these mistakes is the lack of attention from politicians and officials towards the role of think tanks.
Bustanul emphasizes that think tanks are not just formal institutions; they also make real contributions by providing an accurate picture of the conditions, especially in the economic field, which can be the basis for more accurate policy-making. “I’m sorry to say, but the policy decision is quite a mess; that’s my assessment,” he said during a discussion at INDEF’s 30th Anniversary Talk Show, held at Menara Danareksa, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
This senior economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) asserts that the existence of think tanks can be a strategic source of information for decision-makers, especially in facing complex economic dynamics. Therefore, avoiding think tank institutions is not beneficial for officials or politicians themselves.
Furthermore, Bustanul says that officials and politicians involved with think tanks must be more cautious when making decisions. Although it may seem to limit their freedom, it can improve the quality of decisions, which has a more positive impact on society. “So, for those of you who want to be officials, a balance between the two is necessary,” he revealed.
Bustanul also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the independence of researchers and think tank practitioners. He highlights the risks that arise when researchers are too close to power, as it can erode the objectivity and integrity of the research.
According to him, independence is the foundation that must be maintained so that research results remain credible and reliable for the public and policymakers. “It’s not wrong, who said it’s wrong? That’s a choice, but independence starts from there. There are many tendencies for people to make changes from within,” he said.
