Social policy and human capital
Investment in human capital and public service delivery remain major policy concerns in Indonesia. Both public and private spending on health is relatively low, while the large increase in public spending on education in the past decade has yet to yield commensurate impact. In addition, human capital investments in Indonesia face substantial challenges with regards to governance, inequality in access to public services, and quality of education and health care. As a result, health and education outcomes fall behind those of its Southeast Asian neighbours. These issues are likely to have long welfare consequences, and frustrate Indonesia’s ambition to achieve sustainable growth and significantly reduce poverty.
This research theme aims to investigate the challenges and risks faced by Indonesian households in their efforts to improve their welfare, using the analytical lens and tools that pay attention to gender equality, disability inclusion, and well-being of the disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Additionally, it seeks to enhance our understanding of how public policies can have a positive impact on health, child development, and education outcomes. Furthermore, it aims to improve welfare, address inequality, and ensure greater accessibility for disabled individuals and women.
Research themes
- Health equity and financial protection
- Long term impacts of economic shocks on health outcomes of children
- Poverty, labour markets and trade liberalisation
- Efficiency and effectiveness of decentralized public spending in health and education
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Welfare impacts of community-driven development programs
Current research projects
A microeconometric analysis of drug rehabilitation in Indonesia. We study the differences in drug rehabilitation outcomes between in-patient and out-patient clients in Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency system, using survey and administrative data.
Firman Witoelar (ANU)
“Unleashed: An experiment on releasing untapped labor market potential of women in Indonesia”. A randomized control study to investigate the effects of interventions aimed at re-integrating formerly employed women back into paid work in Jakarta.
Firman Witoelar (ANU)
Does adolescence anemia persist over a woman’s life cycle? Evidence from the Indonesian Family Life Survey. (ADB Economic Working Paper Series, forthcoming)
Firman Witoelar (ANU)
Long term effects of childhood malaria. A study into the long-term effects of childhood malaria on adult outcomes in Maluku and Papua.
Budy Resosudarmo (ANU) and Firman Witoelar (ANU)
“The Impact of Forced Online Schooling on Student Achievement: Evidence from Australia during the Pandemic - Under Preparation
Blane Lewis (ANU) and Tunye Qui (ANU)
Trade and health: Evidence from Indonesia
Arianto Patunru (ANU) and Wisnu Harto (Prospera)
