SMERU is an independent research institution that focuses on socio-economic and poverty issues in Indonesia, with the purpose of improving public policies and their implementation. Research areas include:
- poverty and inequality
- decentralisation and regional autonomy
- social protection
- labour market conditions
SMERU also researches the impact and performance of pro-poor programs and government policies such as those relating to health, education, gender, labour, subsidized rice distribution and micro credit.
The institute has a variety of publications including research reports, working papers, books and workshop reports – many of which are available for download from the website. The website also contains a database of other NGOs that are concerned with social and economic issues in Indonesia.