Research

Overview

My research interests span economics and public policy, with a particular focus on AI governance and the economic impact of technological transformation. I am fascinated by the interplay between algorithmic decision-making and regulatory frameworks, and how data-driven methodologies can provide new insights into policy formulation.

The central question driving my work is: How can AI be governed ethically, sustainably, and efficiently in public sector contexts, particularly in developing economies? This has led me to explore risk-based approaches, quantitative policy evaluation, and the socio-economic implications of AI through both theoretical analysis and empirical studies.

Current Research Themes

Theme 1: AI Governance in the Public Sector

Exploring frameworks for ethical and sustainable AI adoption in government agencies, especially in Indonesia. This includes designing a governance model that incorporates accountability, transparency, and digital competency as a mediating factor in AI impact.

Key Publications:

  • (In preparation) Ethical AI Governance Framework for Indonesian Public Sector

Current Projects:

  • Master’s Thesis: Development of a risk-informed, ethical AI governance framework

Theme 2: Economic Impact of AI Implementation

Assessing the macro and microeconomic consequences of AI adoption. Focused on understanding how AI affects labor markets, industrial policy, and public finance.

Key Publications:

  • (Forthcoming) Measuring AI Impact on Customs Efficiency in Developing Economies

Current Projects:

  • Policy brief on AI and tax compliance

Theme 3: Data-Driven Risk Management for Customs

Innovating risk models and performance evaluation systems using data visualization and analytics. My work on SIMANTAB and Tableau-based dashboards are currently adopted regionally.

Key Publications:

  • SIMANTAB: A Regional Benchmark in Customs Risk Monitoring

Current Projects:

  • Tableau dashboard for stakeholder risk analysis

Methodology

My research employs a combination of:

  • Theoretical Analysis: Institutional economics, public choice theory, and policy evaluation models
  • Computational Methods: Python, Tableau, and data visualization techniques
  • Empirical Studies: Customs operations data, AI implementation case studies, and economic performance indicators
  • Collaborative Approaches: Working with policymakers, data scientists, and inter-agency teams

Research Philosophy

I believe research should serve society through clarity, relevance, and reproducibility. My approach emphasizes open science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical awareness. I also advocate for practical impact—especially through public policy interventions that enhance equity and efficiency.

Major Research Outputs

Dissertation

2026 (planned) - Governance Framework for Ethical AI in Public Sector Agencies (/research/dissertation.pdf)
This dissertation aims to establish a scalable and context-aware model for AI oversight in developing countries.

Master’s Thesis

2026 (in progress) - Risk-Informed Framework for Ethical AI Governance in Indonesia (/research/thesis.pdf)
Combines institutional theory with empirical analysis to evaluate AI readiness in government agencies.

Recent Publications

For a complete list of publications, please see my [Google Scholar profile]({{ .Site.Params.social.scholar }}) or [ORCID]({{ .Site.Params.social.orcid }}).

2025 - AI-Driven Customs Oversight: A Risk-Based Model
Hasbullah, S. et al.
Working Paper, Ministry of Finance
Presents a scalable dashboard system for customs risk monitoring using real-time data.

2025 - Digital Competency as a Mediator in AI Policy Outcomes
Hasbullah, S.
Policy Modeling Conference, Jakarta
Explores the influence of human capital on AI policy impact.

Software and Datasets

I believe in open science and making research reproducible. Here are some of the tools and datasets I’ve developed:

Software

SIMANTAB (GitHub link)
A monitoring tool that evaluates bonded zone companies' compliance risk.

Risk Dashboard for Tableau (GitHub link)
Visual framework used in stakeholder monitoring by customs agencies.

Datasets

AI Governance Readiness Survey (Link to dataset)
A collection of indicators on AI readiness across government departments.

Research Impact

Metrics

  • h-index: 3 ([Google Scholar]({{ .Site.Params.social.scholar }}))
  • Total Citations: 85 (as of June 2025)
  • Papers with >50 citations: 1

Media Coverage

  • Kompas: “Digital Tools Boost Revenue Monitoring in Indonesian Customs” (2025)
  • Jakarta Post: “Young Researcher Drives AI Ethics Discussion in Southeast Asia” (2025)

Future Directions

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about:

  • Developing quantitative benchmarks for ethical AI readiness
  • Exploring AI’s fiscal implications for developing economies
  • Investigating policy feedback loops in AI implementation

I believe the field must align innovation with fairness, and I intend to contribute to a future where AI enhances—not replaces—human agency.

Collaboration

I actively collaborate with researchers from public policy, computer science, and economics. If you’re interested in collaboration, please contact me with:

  • A brief description of your research interests
  • How you think our work might complement each other
  • Your CV and recent publications

I’m particularly interested in partnerships around AI governance, economic modeling, and digital transformation in public agencies.