Burhanuddin Muhtadi

Burhan’s father had a profound influence on his life. His father was the one who first introduced him to the world of politics. His father was a trader at a traditional market in Rembang, while also playing many vital roles: treasurer of the local Nahdlatul Ulama, an advocate for Islamic education, and a defender of small traders' rights. He managed a local madrasah, fought for the survival of marginalised communities facing eviction, and at the same time served as a campaigner for the Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (United Development Party) during the New Order era. He campaigned across remote areas using his own funds, never accepting a formal party position, and never seeking to become a legislative candidate. His courage to stand firm under military and bureaucratic pressure revealed a rare kind of politics: driven by genuine commitment and quiet courage. Until the end of his life, Burhan’s father never held a party position. Yet his name remains respected among those who understand that true political struggle does not require the pursuit of power

1984 - 1990 SDN Kutoharjo 1, Rembang; 1990 - 1993 MTs Muallimin/at NU, Rembang; 1993 - 1996 MAN-PK (Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Program Khusus), Surakarta; 1996 - 2002 Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Bachelor of Islamic Theology and Philosophy; 2008 - 2009 Australian National University, Master of Arts in Asian Studies, funded by Australian Development Scholarship (ADS); 2013 -2018 Australian National University, PhD in Politics, funded by Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS)

2003 - 2006 Researcher at Indonesian Institute for Civil Society (INCIS) Jakarta; 2003 - present Senior Researcher of Lembaga Survei Indonesia (LSI); 2010 - present Lecturer at Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta (appointed as a Professor of Political Science at Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in 2023); 2013 - present Founder & Senior Researcher, Indikator Politik Indonesia; 2022 - present Visiting Research Fellow ISEAS Singapore. Burhan founded Indikator Politik Indonesia in response to the growing demand for non-academic research that, at the time, could not be accommodated by LSI. Although Indikator is a separate entity, it remains affiliated with LSI. While Indikator’s core focus is political research, its work extends beyond electability surveys or pre-election political dynamics. The organisation also conducts market research to map target audiences, analyse consumer behaviour, and deliver crucial strategic insights. However, as these projects are tailored to specific client needs, the results are rarely made public

PT Indikator Politik Indonesia

Islam: Pandangan Muslim Liberal 2003; Civil Society dan Demokrasi: Survey tentang Partisipasi Sosial-Politik Warga Jakarta Syariat 2003; Mencari Akar Kultural Civil Society di Indonesia 2004; Defisit Pelayanan Publik: Survei Persepsi Masyarakat terhadap Pelayanan Publik 2005; Dilema PKS: Suara dan Syariah 2012; Perang Bintang 2014: Konstelasi dan Prediksi Pemilu dan Pilpres 2013; Populisme, Politik Identitas dan Dinamika Elektoral 2019; Vote Buying in Indonesia: The Mechanics of Vote Buying in Indonesia 2019; Kuasa Uang: Politik Uang dalam Pemilu Pasca-Orde Baru 2020

Burhan is also an active contributor to mass media. For him, it’s a form of public service, a way to share analysis and research findings with a broader audience. He recognises that academic journals don’t always reach the general public, so writing for the media is his effort to translate scholarly insights into language that is more accessible. In addition to writing, Burhan is frequently invited to speak at various forums, ranging from academic discussions to strategic sessions held by corporations and global financial institutions. In these corporate settings, he often presents political outlooks that help shape business and investment decisions

The Asia Foundation Young Leaders Fellowship Grant 2008; Anugerah Media dan Komunikator Terbaik Pilpres, observer category from Strategy Public Relations 2009; Charta Politika Award category Best Politics Analyst 2010; Indonesia-Singapore Young Leaders Award from S Rajaratnam Endowment (SRE), S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), dan RSIS’ Indonesia Programme 2016; The 11th Singapore Graduate Forum on Southeast Asian Studies from Asian Research Institute of National University of Singapore 2016; Young Southeast Asia Fellow Award from SEAREG 2018; Indonesian Platinum and Best Corporate Award for category "The Most Trusted Survey Institution Company of The Year" 2019

Perkumpulan Survei Opini Publik Indonesia (PERSEPI); Himpunan Indonesia untuk Pengembangan Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial (HIPIIS); Asosiasi Ilmu Politik Indonesia (AIPI); Asian Barometer; World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR); Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG)

One of the most meaningful achievements in Burhan’s life is earning the title of Professor of Political Science. For years, he never imagined reaching that point, mainly because the promotion process seemed complicated and exhausting. In reality, he had long met the academic requirements: publications, teaching, student supervision, and community service. In 2022, encouragement came from colleagues and campus leaders. They helped compile the necessary documents, and within a short time, he advanced directly from assistant lecturer to associate professor, and finally to full professor. The process was completed just before new government regulations kicked in: rules that would’ve made the journey take up to 24 years. Another achievement for him that stands as a deep personal pride: having his article published in one of the world’s top journals in political science. The writing of the article process spanned five years, involving in-depth research, and academic conferences across countries. The article was finally published in 2020 after a long and demanding peer-review process. This publication represents international acknowledgment of Burhan's identity as a scholar and researcher

Indonesian, English

In his leisure time, Burhan enjoys being in nature. His love for the outdoors has been with him for many years. During his eight years of study in Australia, he often spent holidays exploring natural landscapes. These days, he enjoys trekking, fishing and occasionally snorkelling with his family

The most pivotal turning point in Burhan's life came in 1999, when he met Saiful Mujani. Long before their first meeting, Burhan had already been familiar with Saiful through his writings. He even joined the Ciputat Student Forum (FORMACI), despite Saiful having already left for his studies at Ohio State University. Upon returning to Indonesia, Saiful was conducting a major post-New Order survey with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF). He invited Burhan to join the project as a research assistant. That experience became Burhan’s first exposure to the world of political surveys. Through Saiful, Burhan was introduced to prominent intellectual figures and gained access to international academic networks. Even his recommendation for graduate study abroad came from Saiful. More than just a mentor, Saiful became a role model for Burhan

Hard work has been the secret key in Burhan’s educational and professional journey. Coming from a madrasah background and not a top-tier university in Indonesia, he often saw himself as an underdog. Without the advantage of academic privilege, the only way to compete was through relentless effort. English was not something that came easily. His early education focused on Arabic, but to qualify for scholarships and compete in international academia, he had to master the IELTS. He sacrificed rest and personal time to close that gap. That determination to keep learning and endure the demands of academic life has shaped who he is today. He became accustomed to presenting at some of the world’s leading universities, standing before professors, delivering papers, and receiving sharp critique. And he accepted it all as part of the process. For Burhan, anyone can go beyond the limits of their background, as long as they have the perseverance and discipline to grow.

indikator.co.id

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.