On 11 August 2026, The SMERU Research Institute (SMERU) and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) officially entered into a strategic partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The virtual signing ceremony was represented by SMERU Director Widjajanti Isdijoso and 3ie Program Director-Asia Neelakshi Mann.

The partnership brings together 3ie’s global expertise in impact evaluation and evidence synthesis with SMERU’s in-depth understanding of Indonesia’s development context. Through this collaboration, the two organizations will work to bridge the gap between rigorous research and real-world policy impact, helping ensure that decisions affecting millions of people are grounded in high-quality evidence.

The collaboration will encompass evidence generation and synthesis aligned with local, national, and regional development priorities; capacity strengthening in impact evaluation, evidence synthesis, theory of change, cost analysis, and geospatial methods; and learning forums that bring together policymakers, researchers, and implementing partners.

SMERU and 3ie will also jointly develop knowledge products, strengthen evidence use by providing technical support to government, and explore joint funding opportunities. Both organizations are committed to upholding research integrity, transparency, and ethical standards throughout their collaboration.

“Impact evaluation is not merely an academic exercise; it is a bridge between policy and real-world results. By combining SMERU’s contextual understanding and national data resources with 3ie’s methodological expertise and global experience, we aim to foster a stronger culture of evidence use and promote more effective public policies,” said Widjajanti.