The SMERU Research Institute will host the Forum Kajian Pembangunan (FKP) seminar in June 2023. FKP is a consortium consisting of various institutions in Indonesia in collaboration with the Indonesia Project (Australian National University). This forum brings together researchers, academics, experts, civil society, the international community, and policymakers to discuss research outcomes related to current development policy issues in Indonesia.
SMERU will present research results in four seminars with the themes of gig economy workers; youth; education; and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be discussed together to promote the formulation of evidence-based policies in Indonesia. The event is expected to provide a deeper understanding of SMERU’s research results as well as gain further support from the government, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, academics, practitioners, and the general public.
The FKP seminars will be held both online and in person. A sign language interpreter will be present throughout the event. Below is the series of FKP seminars in June 2023:
1. Innovations to Protect Gig Economy Workers
Online | Wednesday, 7 June 2023, 09.30–12.00 WIB (GMT+7)
A large part of the Indonesian economy is informal work. Sakernas 2021 data shows that there are 77 million informal workers out of 131 million workforce. Most of these informal workers are gig economy workers.
Along with the development of the digital economy, the number of gig economy workers keeps growing. Output-based and short-term employment status makes them vulnerable to uncertainties and risks of economic shocks. However, the characteristics of gig economy workers make it difficult for them to access social assistance programs provided by the government.
SMERU’s Position Paper emphasizes the importance of alternative schemes to complement the existing social protection. In addressing the issue of gig economy worker protection, SMERU organizes a policy dialogue on innovations to protect and reduce the vulnerability of gig economy workers.
Link to download presentation documents (pdf) and event recording: https://smeru.or.id/en/event/fkp2023series1
2. Quarter-Life Crisis: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive
Hybrid | Tuesday, 13 June 2023, 09.30–12.00 WIB (GMT+7)
Quarter-life crisis is a period of identity crisis in individual development in early adulthood or youth. However, many young people are not ready or prepared to become adults; that is, to become independent individuals with responsibilities and uncertainties about the future. Consequently, in this period, youth have concerns about the future, including work/career, relationships, and social life.
But if the quarter-life crisis can be successfully overcome, it can catalyze personal growth and development. In other words, the crisis can facilitate individuals in recognizing themselves more profoundly and prepare them for future possibilities. How, then, can we support and build youth who can overcome this crisis?
SMERU holds a talk show about the experience, research, and concrete actions to prepare youth to deal with the quarter-life crisis.
Link to download presentation documents (pdf) and event recording: https://smeru.or.id/en/event/fkp2023series2
3. Local Collaborative Innovations: Realizing Quality Basic Education
Online | Wednesday, 21 June 2023, 13.00–15.50 WIB (GMT+7)
What are the local government education policy innovations to improve the quality of education in the decentralization era?
In the era of regional autonomy, district/city governments have the authority to manage education services for elementary and junior high schools. This means local government awareness and initiatives are essential to influence the delivery and achievement of quality education in the regions.
But the government cannot work alone. SMERU’s findings, through RISE Programme in Indonesia, suggest that collaboration among stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, is necessary to improve the quality of basic education. Unfortunately, not all regions have these collaborative initiatives and efforts.
SMERU holds a talk show to discuss education local policy innovations, the role of local governments, collaborations with non-government actors, and the challenges. These topics will be discussed from research, practice, and policy formulation perspectives.
Link to download presentation documents (pdf) and event recording: https://smeru.or.id/en/event/fkp2023series3
4. Rise and Fight: A Picture of the Small and Medium Enterprises in Indonesia
In person | Tuesday, 27 June 2023, 08.30–11.30 WIB (GMT+7)
MSMEs are often considered the backbone of Indonesia's economy due to their contribution, which reaches 60.51% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Out of approximately 64 million MSMEs, around 98.7% are micro-scale enterprises, while the rest are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Although the share of the SME group is relatively small, their contribution to Indonesia’s GDP was 9.5% (small enterprises) and 13.6% (medium enterprises) in 2019. The SME group also has the potential to absorb more labor considering their larger scale of operations. Due to limited research on the SME group, little is known about the constraints, challenges, strategies, and support for developing this group, which may differ significantly from the constraints, challenges, and support for micro-scale enterprises.
Therefore, it is interesting to delve deeper into the issues and support SMEs need. The findings from this exploration can serve as a basis for developing programs and policies that support the inclusive and sustainable development of the SME group.
Registration: https://smeru.or.id/registrasifkp2023seri4
