Sulton is a senior researcher specializing in qualitative methodology. Most of Sulton’s works are monitoring and evaluation of the impact of severe economic crises, including the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis.

Sulton has worked on studies that examined the implementation as well as effectiveness of government programs aimed at reducing poverty. He was part of the research team that developed the white paper of poverty reduction, the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia’s Poverty Reduction (MP3KI). Much of his current research focuses on rural development, community development, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive economic development.

Prior to joining SMERU, Sulton worked as a researcher for the Centre for Policy and Implementation Studies (CPIS). He also became a consultant for a number of projects in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.