LIPS’ research covers wide range of topics. Start from capital mobility, Asian transnational corporations monitoring, supply chain, new economic geography, social security, labour movement history, labour laws and policy, popular-labour education, Occupational Health and Safety, women workers’ specific problems, and political economy.
In doing our research, we work together with local, regional, and international CSOs and NGOs. In 2012, for example, we conducted research on Masterplan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia’s Economic Development (in Bahasa Indonesia it is abbreviated and known as MP3EI) in a collaboration with Sajogyo Institute. While research on Wallmart supply chain was conducted in 2015, in colalboration with AFWA (Asia Floor Wage Alliance). In 2016, under a collaboration with FSP2KI (Federasi Serikat Pekerja Pulp dan Kertas Indonesia or Federation of Indonesia Pulp and Paper workers union), LIPS conducted research on pulp and paper sectoral wage. Our latest research was on chemical use in electronic industry, using study case in Batam electronic factories.
There are different ways in which we use our research findings. First, we distribute our findings in paper through our online magazine; second, we use the findings to formulate education module or materials, or just “return” it to the labor unions for their own purpose; and third, we use them as campaign material, especially in cases like OSH and working condition betterment.