Experts set up public policy think tank

JAKARTA (Jakarta Post): Experts announced Friday the new Indonesian Society of Public Policy, a non-government think tank, will recommend public policy improvements to the government.

A number of noted people are involved: Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, Regional Representatives Council Speaker Ginanjar Kartasasmita, former Gadjah Mada University rector Sofian Effendi, legislator Drajad Wibowo, University of Indonesia public policy expert Eko Prasodjo, expert on policy reform Riant Nugroho, former Indonesian Military chief of territorial affairs Lt. Gen. (ret) Agus Widjojo and Gorontalo Governor Fadel Muhammad.

Organization chairman Sofian Effendy said there were plans to establish branch offices nationwide to assist policymakers at the local level.

"We'll soon give our recommendation to the government on how they can improve their bottom-up public policies," Sofian told The Jakarta Post.

The new organization will be officially launched next year in April. --JP/dic