After more than two years of conducting activities online, SMERU adopted a more flexible work arrangement that no longer requires all staff to work from the office. This arrangement includes adjustments to accommodate partner needs and to enhance collaborative initiatives.

We continued to engage partners from the private sector, civil society, and other development actors in producing and disseminating research findings. Our public seminars received support from bilateral and multilateral agencies, private companies, national and international philanthropic organizations, as well as central and local governments. We look forward to sustaining these partnerships so that our research can bring greater benefits to society, particularly in advancing poverty reduction and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The year 2023 was also financially challenging due to shifts in funding patterns from SMERU’s traditional sources. In response, SMERU implemented efficiency, expanded collaborations with other institutions, explored innovative funding opportunities, and initiated paid training programs to share more than two decades of SMERU’s knowledge and expertise with stakeholders.

Throughout 2023, SMERU carried out 36 studies in areas such as education, health, youth development, child welfare, the economic impacts of the pandemic, social protection, digitalization, and livelihood and community development. We also made a strategic move to expand into environmental and climate change research, with studies on air pollution impacts and marine conservation management. These studies aim to bridge research gaps by integrating the welfare of poor and vulnerable communities into these discussions.

SMERU has been able to overcome these challenges thanks to the trust in the quality of our research and work, the support we have received, and the commitment and dedication of all staff, as well as the Board of Trustees, Supervisors, and Management of the SMERU Foundation. We are deeply grateful for this trust, support, and commitment. We remain committed to adapting to future changes, strengthening collaboration, and contributing research and knowledge to improve policies that enhance community welfare, reduce poverty, and address inequality in Indonesia.