Dear Readers,
 
August is a special month for Indonesia as we celebrate 81 years of independence and reflect on the country’s development journey, including the challenges that remain. This spirit of reflection resonates with several other important occasions this month, highlighting different dimensions of development—from the rights and aspirations of Indigenous peoples, to support for infant and young child feeding, and the role of young people in public life.
 
In this issue of Nawala SMERU, I would like to recommend several readings that explore these themes. To mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (9 August), we revisit a series of publications from SMERU’s research in Papua, which highlights the importance of development approaches that align with the livelihoods, sociocultural contexts, and aspirations of Indigenous Papuans.
 
We also revisit findings from a study on infant and young child feeding, published a decade ago, in commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August). The study reminds us that families’ feeding practices are shaped not only by knowledge and choices, but also by support from health workers, workplaces, policymakers, and the broader environment.
 
In recognition of International Youth Day (12 August), discover how the BASAbali and BASAsulsel Wiki Maraton (Wikithon) programs give young people a platform to express their views, engage with public issues, and make their voices heard. Also, check out our three short videos on the role of local governments in the energy transition, as well as the SMERU Learning Centre’s policy brief writing course on 16–17 September 2026.
 
As always, we welcome your feedback and thoughts at comms[at]smeru.or.id. Happy reading!
 
Widjajanti Isdijoso
Director, The SMERU Research Institute