J-PAL Southeast Asia

J-PAL Southeast Asia, based at the University of Indonesia, leads J-PAL’s work in the Southeast Asia region. J-PAL Southeast Asia conducts randomized evaluations, builds partnerships for evidence-informed policymaking, and helps partners scale up effective programs.

Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including social welfare, migration, health, good governance, and financial inclusion. We conduct capacity building activities for policymakers, researchers, and academics seeking to learn and apply rigorous impact evaluation, and work with central and local governments to help build a culture of evidence-informed decision-making in the region.

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Headshots of Hasto Narendra (left) and Farhan Husain (right).
Blog

DEDP learners spotlight: Hasto Narendra and Farhan Husain's path to development

In 2024, J-PAL Southeast Asia (SEA) welcomed two new staff members from the Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters community. Both Hasto and Farhan come from diverse fields outside economics, yet they share a common passion: to pivot their career paths and explore meaningful work...

 A child plays with colorful wooden blocks in a GSED assessment session.
Blog

Four lessons from using a growth measurement tool for early childhood development in Indonesia

Stunting, defined as having a substantial below-average height for one’s age, indicates a significant risk to a child's physical and developmental potential. To explore practical and effective strategies for addressing stunting in Indonesia, J-PAL Southeast Asia (SEA) collaborated with J-PAL invited...

 MSMEs products displayed at the Center for Integrated Services for MSMEs in West Java, Indonesia
Blog

Can product curation overcome challenges in MSME market expansion? Opportunities for impact evaluation

Insights from a recent Learning Collaborative event hosted by J-PAL Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Directorate of MSME and Cooperative Development of Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) shed light on evidence and insights on the most effective approaches to support MSMEs...

A group of people stand in front of a backdrop.
Blog

A decade of empowering change: Celebrating 10 years of improving lives through evidence in Southeast Asia

To mark the tenth anniversary of J-PAL Southeast Asia, we hosted a gala dinner on July 18, 2023, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was attended by a wide range of J-PAL partners, including representatives from government institutions, academics, local and international development practitioners, non...