The Indonesian Ministry for Research and Technology (RISTEK) has a Sub-Department with a focus on the research of societal dynamics in Indonesia. RISTEK considered it necessary to supplement the originally limited number of academic journals on political and social matters in this country with a specialist forum for the discussion of the numerous basic political questions and future problems which have been and will be absorbing Indonesians for quite some time (e.g. the future of democracy, constitutional reform, decentralization, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue etc.). Normally, such discussions have been conducted only informally in Indonesia or are taking place predominantly in the print media.

Therefore, the journal „Dinamika Masyarakat“ („Societal Dynamics“) has been published with the support of KAS since 2002 in three editions of ten articles each per year. It reaches a target group of several hundreds of politicians, journalists and representatives of the civil society. It is a special objective of this journal to offer young academics and authors who would like to gain public profile a chance to publish their work.

Until now the following focus editions have been published:

2007:

• Disaster: Preparing the Society in Facing Disaster (in preparation)
  
• Creating an Innovative and a Creative Society (in preparation)
  
• Poverty: A Social, Political and Economic Reflection (in preparation)
  

2006:

• Transportation Policy and Public Transport Means
  
• Creating Good Leaders for Society
  
• Energy Diversification
  

2005:

• Political Parties in Indonesia
  
• Research and Technologie and their Role in Policy Formulation
  
• Mass Media as Agenda Setters for the Society
  

2004:

• Corruption: the New Culture of Indonesia?
  
• Fighting Unemployment
  
• Land Reform
  

2003:

• Ethics in Indonesian Society
  
• Structural Problems of Professional Groups: the Example of Maritime Economy
  
• Parliamentary and Presidential Elections
  

2002:

• Social Conflict in Indonesia
  
• Regional Autonomy
  
• Culture and Scientific Technology
  

Among the authors are members of the cabinet, well-known academics and public figures as well as young researchers.

The KAS Indonesia office accepts orders for single issues and suggestions for future focus topics.