It has been over a decade since efforts began to develop good communication and effective dialogs between researchers and policymakers. Although facing many challenges, efforts to matchmake research and policy have not wearied over the years. They have even gained larger support. This can be observed from the increased tendency to put high value on research that demonstrates tangible policy impact and the positive responses to policy formulations that are supported by evidence-based information.

However, the relationship between research and policy is one of a troubled affair. It is tensioned by various factors such as institutional structures, values, and power structures. Therefore, to reduce the gap between research and policy calls for not only creating effective ways of utilizing research, but also understanding policy process. With increased international attention on this issue, various activities aiming to bridge research and policy through evidence-based policy advocacy have been organized in various countries. One example is the effort made in Indonesia. Supported by DRSPUSAID and ODI-RAPID, between May and July 2009, The SMERU Research Institute held a series of training sessions for CSOs, research institutes, academic institutions, and advocacy NGOs to provide a more in-depth understanding of approaches, strategies, methods, and procedures used for effective policy advocacy.

Despite the problematic courtship of research and policy, there are lessons learned and best practices that could be drawn from efforts to bridge the two. The following pages capture the different experiences and illustrate inspiring accounts in the effort to bridge research and policy through evidence-based policy advocacy, especially in Indonesia.