From Data to Policy: The Role of CSO Research in Driving Social Change in Indonesia
Public policy should ideally be based on evidence, not mere assumptions or short-term interests. In the Indonesian context, civil society organizations (CSOs) are strategically positioned to bring community voices into the policy space through research. This page showcases various research projects conducted by PIRAC. It discusses how CSO research, policy advocacy, and social change initiatives conducted by PIRAC are interconnected in efforts to promote policies that are more just, inclusive, and grounded in reality.
PIRAC’s research experience demonstrates that CSO research connected to policy advocacy can drive more just and sustainable social change. When field data is translated into powerful policy messages, CSOs become not only witnesses to problems but also agents of change.
PIRAC brings strong institutional capacity in:
- Designing and implementing baseline and endline studies for social programs;
- Conducting feminist-informed donor mapping and funding landscape analysis;
- Applying gender-sensitive, participatory, and ethical research approaches;
- Producing policy-relevant recommendations to inform strategic planning.
- PIRAC has successfully implemented projects supported by Oxfam, The Asia Foundation, GIZ, PMI, Ford Foundation, Filantropi Indonesia, and TIFA Foundation, among others.
Selected Past Projects Include:
- Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Study 2026. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is collaborating with the American Red Cross through the Electra Program
- Baseline study Make Extreme Poverty History Through Poor Graduation Approach (MEMPHIS-PGA) 2026. The MEMPHIS-PGA is a 36-month initiative implemented by Islamic Relief Indonesia (YRII)
- Baseline study Collective Care Fund (CCF) 2025 – Humanis Foundation
- Doing Good Index Survey (2025) – Conducted in partnership with the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) to map civil society enabling environments across Indonesia.
- Fundraising Strategy Development for the Indonesian Red Cross (2024) – Supporting institutional fundraising and partnership diversification.
- Study on Digital Fundraising Strategy (2024) – Exploring digital giving trends and accessibility among grassroots organizations.
- Mapping Philanthropic Support for Social Justice (2019) – Commissioned by TIFA Foundation to identify funding gaps and opportunities for marginalized communities.
- Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Study 2026. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is collaborating with the American Red Cross through the Electra Program
- Baseline study Make Extreme Poverty History Through Poor Graduation Approach (MEMPHIS-PGA) 2026. The MEMPHIS-PGA is a 36-month initiative implemented by Islamic Relief Indonesia (YRII)
- Baseline study Collective Care Fund (CCF) 2025 – Humanis Foundation
- Survei Doing Good Index 2025 supported by Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) – 2025
- Assistance in the Preparation of Fundraising Strategy Plans for the Indonesian Red Cross supported by PMI – 2024
- Study on the Development of Digital Fundraising Strategy, Supported by Oxfam and Penabulu – 2024
- Study of TB condition, case distribution, handling strategy, and commitment between parties in handling TB
- in Indonesia for the preparation of STPI strategic plan for the next 3 years. – 2023
- September – November 2021 Study Mapping of supporting TB Program, by Stop TB Partnership Indonesia – (STPI)
- Research of Action and Contribution in Philanthropy Institution on SDGs, support by Filantropi Indonesia – 2020
- Research of mapping philanthropy organizations to support social justice for the poor and marginalized, by TIFA foundation – 2019
- Study Mapping of Supporting Philanthropy for Education – 2018
- Assessment About “Status Of Sustainability Of Partner Organization MAJU – The Asia Foundation For Resource Mobilization” by The Asia Foundation – USAID MAJU Partner – 2018
- Research on Case Study Corporate Foundation and Family Foundation, Support by Filantropi Indonesia – 2017
- Diagnostic study Mapping Institute of Philanthropy Supporting Research, sport by KSI – 2016
- Research on Philanthropy Organization Readiness toward SDGs, Support by Filantropi Indonesia – 2016
- Research on implementation of local regulations on CSR, support by TIFA Foundation – 2016
- Study on Mapping and Categorization of NGOs for National Industrialization Issue – IRAI (2015-2016)
- Study on Trend of Corporate Philantrophy in Indonesia – Dompet Dhuafa (2014)
- Study on Trend of Corporate Philantrophy in Indonesia – Dompet Dhuafa (2013)
- Study for Evaluation Green and Clean Program – Unilever Foundation (2011)
- KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) Study of PHE/ Public Health Education – Unilever (2012), Etc.
- Diagnostic Study on Research Support from Philantrophy Institutions – Knowledge Sector Initiatives (2016)
- Study on Accountability of Mass Media Philantrophy, TIFA (2013)
- Study on Sustainability of Community Radion in Indonesia – Cipta Media Bersama and The Ford Foundation (2013)
- Evaluation of Green And Clean Program – Unilever (2011)
- Study for PHE Public Health education program – Unilever (2012)
- Study of Philanthropy and CSR Practices for Women Empowerment Program in 5 Corporates (2011)
Study on Practices and Problems of Accountability for Humanitarian Aid Management in Yogyakarta, Padang, Bandung and Aceh Besar (2011)
