Grand Challenges Canada is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact®. Funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, Grand Challenges Canada supports innovators in low- and middle-income countries and Canada. The bold ideas Grand Challenges Canada supports integrate science and technology, social and business innovation – known as Integrated Innovation®.

Tulodo Indonesia get support from Grand Challenges Canada to launch the Dolpin project, a family-based health and relationship teaching kit for urban poor children in Indonesia. Dolpin (Dolanan Pintar = “Smart Games”) is aimed at families with children aged 5-9 years, bringing health and relationship education to the home that can be delivered by parents as easily as bedtime storytelling. Dolpin has the potential to help address health, safety and other social issues that help protect children as the future prosperity of the nation.

Siapkan Generasi Anak Berprestasi – Tanoto Foundation

Tulodo Indonesia was appointed by Tanoto Foundation as the implementing partner of the SIGAP Program in Kutai Kartanegara to strengthen caregiving practices in preventing stunting and improving children’s literacy and numeracy. SIGAP consists of two main activities: Rumah Anak SIGAP and Sekolah Anak SIGAP. Rumah Anak SIGAP is a community-based initiative that provides Thematic Classes, Group Play Sessions, and Individual Stimulation for children aged 0–3. Sekolah Anak SIGAP focuses on five aspects: teacher and principal quality, learning processes, parent engagement, government involvement, and access to educational learning materials. With Tulodo’s expertise in behavior change, the program aims to achieve outcomes in improved caregiving practices early stimulation, nutrition and feeding, and responsive caregiving and deliver impact through children’s optimal development in cognitive, socio-emotional, motoric, and language skills.

Micro Marketing for Market Linkages – KOMPAK

Tulodo conducted a micro-marketing pilot project with small businesses in North Lombok and Pacitan, Indonesia, to enhance competitiveness using a Human-Centered Design approach. The project tested and refined marketing service prototypes for tourism (North Lombok) and food products (Pacitan), supported by local governments and community partners. Tulodo led research, prototype design, training, and ongoing mentoring for SMEs, resulting in significant business growth. In Pacitan, two SMEs, Mocaf Bogati and Sumber Waras, were rebranded, achieving sales increases of 821% and 564% respectively, while in North Lombok, eco-tourism sites Kerujuk and Genggelang saw visitor growth of 115% and 26%. The project strengthened collaboration among government, private sector, and local entrepreneurs.

Prevention of Child Marriage & Improvement of Menstrual Health – UNICEF

Tulodo is collaborating with UNICEF Indonesia over a 2.5-year period to prevent child marriage and improve menstrual health across Indonesia. The project aims to strengthen adolescent girl-centered policies, curricula, and communication materials through close coordination with the government and key partners. Tulodo supports UNICEF by conducting partner capacity assessments and developing tailored capacity-building plans. The team also leads formative research and baseline/endline studies, including mapping and analysis of existing materials and programs. In addition, Tulodo develops a theory of change, monitoring and evaluation framework, behavior change communication (BCC) strategy, and creative communication materials. At the community level, Tulodo engages women’s prayer groups, male religious leaders, and other community actors in Bone to promote positive norms, while supporting national replication in collaboration with the government and Muhammadiyah/NU.

Project Ber-3: Bernyanyi, Bergerak, dan Berbicara – Tanoto Foundation

Tulodo conducted the “Ber-3” pilot project with BKKBN and the Tanoto Foundation to apply behavioral science in improving parenting practices for children aged 0–5 years. The project encouraged parents to integrate three key stimulation activities, singing, moving, and talking, into daily routines such as mealtime, bathing, or household chores. Implemented at Posyandu Cempaka in Depok, West Java, Tulodo supported the design of the intervention, including a WhatsApp-based parenting community and activity boxes containing stimulation guides. Tulodo also helped develop a microsite as a resource hub for parents.

Behavioral Approaches for Sustainable Fishing in Indonesia – Walton Family Foundation (WFF)

Tulodo was engaged by the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) to strengthen partners’ capacity in applying behavioral science for sustainable fisheries. Activities included workshops introducing behavioral concepts, SMART principles, and Tulodo’s 4D framework, followed by coaching sessions with selected partners to integrate behavioral insights into their programs. Tulodo also conducted formative research in East Lampung with EDF to identify behavioral barriers and opportunities, informing program design. Based on the findings, Tulodo and EDF organized training for fish processing and marketing groups to enhance product quality, competitiveness, and innovation in fisheries enterprises.

Impacts of COVID-19 on learning, mental health, child protection, environmental health, and hygiene at schools in Papua Province – UNICEF

Tulodo conducted a mixed-method study with UNICEF to assess the situation of children in Papua during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using surveys, interviews, and learning assessments (EGRA, EGMA, and SDQ), the study explored children’s learning outcomes, well-being, protection, and school readiness. Findings revealed learning loss, emotional distress, and unequal access to digital learning. Tulodo provided policy recommendations to support safe school reopening, promote mental health, strengthen child protection, and enhance school preparedness for future disruptions. The study reflects Tulodo’s expertise in child-focused research, rural area studies, and data analysis for impact evaluation and evidence-based advocacy.

Noken Papua (Community Transformation for Peace in Papua) Assessment and Baseline Study – Wahana Visi Indonesia

Tulodo conducted the baseline study for the Noken Papua program, which aims to strengthen the capacity of youth (16–30 years old), women, community leaders, and religious leaders in peacebuilding through the adaptation of existing modules developed by WVI and its partners. The study collected key data related to the program’s objectives, expected results, and theory of change outlined in the results framework. Tulodo also assessed the skills and readiness of civil society and faith-based organizations, including women’s and youth groups, in promoting conflict prevention and reconciliation. In addition, the study identified existing community-based peace platforms and dialogue mechanisms used by various stakeholders to inform the design of effective, context-specific interventions for sustaining peace in Papua.

Formative Research for Social Marketing Campaign in Indonesia – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Tulodo was commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to design a social marketing approach in Jakarta aimed at reducing tobacco’s appeal among youth aged 12–18. The project seeks to counter peer pressure, tobacco marketing, and addiction by creating positive, youth-driven messaging that promotes healthy lifestyles and reduces favorable attitudes toward smoking. Tulodo is leading formative research to understand adolescents’ daily lives, social influences, and aspirations, as well as their media habits, literacy levels, and exposure to tobacco advertising. The study also explores knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tobacco use and identifies the most impactful target audiences. The findings will inform a tailored social marketing campaign designed to measurably reduce youth tobacco use and reshape perceptions of smoking in urban Indonesia.

Assessment of Life Skills Education Blended Learning – UNICEF

Tulodo supported UNICEF and MoECRT in assessing the effectiveness of the blended learning model for Life Skill Education (LSE) through the Guru Belajar dan Berbagi (GBB) platform. Using a Human-Centered Design approach, Tulodo combined surveys, interviews, and ethnographic observation to understand teachers’ experiences and digital readiness. The study also reviewed the GBB-LSE system from an ICT perspective evaluating accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. Findings informed strategic recommendations to improve digital learning for teachers, especially in remote areas. Tulodo’s expertise in education assessment and HCD ensured evidence-based insights for policy and program enhancement.

Case Study on the Delivery and Opportunities of Nurturing Care Through Public Health Delivery Platform – Save the Children

Tulodo conducted a case study for Save the Children on nurturing care through public health platforms in Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur. The study aimed to understand and assess opportunities to strengthen nurturing care, covering health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, and early learning, within existing public health services. Tulodo examined practices such as postnatal care, sick child visits, and child health clinics that contribute significantly to the child’s first 1,000 days of life. Through a combination of interviews, observations, and document reviews, Tulodo identified service gaps, enablers, and community perceptions related to nurturing care delivery. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating nurturing care principles into local health systems to improve child well-being and family support.

JISRA Baseline Study – Mensen met een Missie

Tulodo conducted the JISRA Baseline Study to explore the situation of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), gender, and youth inclusion among communities and stakeholders in Indonesia. Tulodo applied a mixed-method approach (surveys, FGDs, KIIs, and policy and media analyses) to build a comprehensive understanding of attitudes and practices related to tolerance and inclusivity. The findings informed JISRA’s Theory of Change and M&E plan, outlining four key pathways for the next five years. Tulodo’s expertise in research design, data analysis, and policy insights played a central role in shaping evidence-based program strategies.

TBC prevention campaign through empowerment of young people – STOP TB Partnership Indonesia (STPI)

Tulodo conducted a tuberculosis (TB) communication campaign with the Stop TB Partnership Indonesia to support national efforts to eliminate TB, a major public health issue and one of the leading causes of death in developing countries. Indonesia ranks second globally in TB cases after India. In order to raise awareness and promote prevention, Tulodo implemented campaign activities across DKI Jakarta and West Java, reaching 30 districts and cities. The initiative engaged 60 youth representatives and more than 2,700 community members through participatory outreach, storytelling, and digital media. Tulodo’s behavioral communication expertise ensured messages were locally relevant, youth-driven, and designed to reduce stigma, encourage early treatment seeking, and strengthen community participation in the national TB response.

Youth in Agriculture Behaviour Research – PRISMA

Tulodo conducted research for PRISMA to strengthen youth inclusion in the agricultural sector in East Java. The study aimed to understand young people’s behaviors, choices, and motivations in engaging with agricultural value chains. Using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation (COM-B) framework, Tulodo analyzed behavioral determinants that influence youth participation in farming, agribusiness, and related enterprises. A mixed-method approach, combining surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, captured insights from diverse rural communities. The findings revealed barriers such as limited access to resources, low perceived profitability, and social stigma toward farming, alongside opportunities in innovation and digital agriculture. Tulodo’s recommendations will guide PRISMA in designing interventions that make agriculture more attractive, inclusive, and sustainable for young people in East Java.

Assisting the Ministry of Health in rolling out the human-centred design (HCD) approach to vaccines at the sub-national level – UNICEF

The HCD approach was directed to support MoH through UNICEF to increase demand for immunization services in selected provinces and districts. Tulodo conducted HCD workshops for facilitators from 14 provinces, facilitate the sensitization of HCD at province and district levels, provide hands-on support to and evaluation of the facilitators in leading HCD implementation, provide MoH with the key recommendations for effective interventions as a strategy to improve the performance of the vaccination program, provide coaching to provincial and district teams to use HCD in their demand generation strategies and interventions. Support MOH and UNICEF to document the process and its outcomes, lessons learned and develop reports in consultation with UNICEF and MoH and disseminate to stakeholders.

Indonesia Spice Trade Alliance (ISTA) Baseline and Midline Study – NCBA CLUSA (In collaboration with Makna)

Tulodo, in collaboration with Makna Consulting, was appointed by NCBA CLUSA to conduct Indonesia Spice Trade Alliance (ISTA) baseline and midline studies in Sulawesi Selatan, Lampung, Papua, and Jambi foe vanilla, cinammon, and blackpepper commodities. The studies aim to establish and measure key performance indicators, assess progress over time, and provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen implementation. Specifically, Tulodo conducted the baseline to measure pre-implementation values for performance indicators, validate estimated targets, and assess the relevance of project design assumptions and selected locations. The midline study builds on these findings by analyzing changes in outcomes, identifying emerging challenges, and evaluating the project’s effectiveness and sustainability. Together, these studies provide critical insights to inform adaptive management, improve performance, and ensure the project’s long-term impact in target communities.

Production of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Materials to Promote School Attendance Once Schools Re-Open in East Java and East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia – Nutrition International

Tulodo was contracted by Nutrition International to lead the production of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) materials to promote school attendance once schools reopened in East Java and East Nusa Tenggara provinces, Indonesia. The project aimed to encourage a safe and confident return to learning following COVID-19 disruptions. Tulodo collaborated with government stakeholders to ensure materials aligned with national education and health protocols, equipping schools with tools and guidance for reopening. The BCC materials targeted adolescents, parents, and teachers with clear, actionable messages on maintaining health and hygiene practices in schools.

Moris Moos (Clean Life) Project for Improved Sanitation in Timor-Leste – DFAT and PHD

Tulodo implemented a two-stage behavior change initiative through the Moris Moos (Clean Life) sanitation program in Timor-Leste, funded by DFAT and managed by PHD/Abt Associates. Applying a Behavior-Centered Design (BCD) approach to led formative and baseline research; and the design and implementation of marketing and community mobilization activities to promote improved hygiene and sanitation practices. The project included formative research, development of a targeted marketing strategy, and active engagement with government and community stakeholders. Tulodo also strengthened the capacity of local partners through training and mentoring while producing culturally communication materials and campaigns. These efforts contributed to increased community awareness, adoption of healthy sanitation behaviors, and stronger local ownership of hygiene initiatives.

Project STOP – SYSTEMIQ

Tulodo and AECOM have been appointed by SYSTEMIQ to conduct a mid-term evaluation of Project STOP in Indonesia. Project STOP is a city partnership initiative to accelerate waste management solutions in Indonesia, working with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Project STOP partners with the local government authority to enable a transition in the waste management system (over an estimated 2-3 years), to a “zero leakage” system where all waste is collected and recycled or safely disposed. The mid-term evaluation is expected to provide evidence on the strengths and weaknesses of the program as well as recommendations that enable SYSTEMIQ to further improve support to its beneficiaries.

Road Safety – Save the Children

Tulodo was commissioned by Yayasan Sayangi Tunas Cilik (Save the Children Indonesia) to support efforts to better understand motorcycle user and pedestrian behaviors in Tasikmalaya. Tulodo conducted a rapid assessment to identify barriers to the enforcement of road safety and helmet laws. The study included in-depth interviews with the Tasikmalaya City Transportation Agency and Sub-Regional Police, ranging from senior officials to operational staff, along with interviews with parents on helmet use and pedestrian habits, and focus group discussions with senior high school students. The final report mapped existing interventions and analyzed institutional challenges in improving helmet use and pedestrian safety. Tulodo’s recommendations emphasized targeted interventions addressing child and youth accident risks within specific community contexts.

Child Protection – UNICEF

Tulodo appointed by UNICEF Indonesia to to support their work to help children affected by disasters in Lombok and Palu. Tulodo will develop an entertainment-education behavior change communication campaign. The program designed to both entertain and educate, by incorporating health and social issues into powerful storytelling used as a catalyst for behavior change. The method is considered one of the most effective creative approaches to improve health and social impact because it involves the target audience as part of the movement in a fun and non-intimidating way.

Child Marriage – UNICEF

Tulodo appointed by UNICEF Indonesia to support implementation of a program to prevent child marriage and improve menstrual hygiene management. Tulodo is supporting UNICEF to conduct formative research and baseline study in Bone, South Sulawesi, including assessment and mapping of existing materials and programs. Tulodo is also support UNICEF and partners to develop a theory of change, monitoring and evaluation framework, and Behavior Change Communication strategy, and communication materials for implementation of BERANI program in Bone, South Sulawesi.

Timor Leste Management of Protected Area – Conservation International

Tulodo was contracted to develop comprehensive communication strategies and plans for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Project in Timor-Leste, implemented by Conservation International Timor-Leste. The assignment focused on two protected areas, Mt. Fatumasin and Lake Maurei, aiming to strengthen awareness and stakeholder engagement in biodiversity conservation. Tulodo led the design of communication strategies, identified key audiences and stakeholders, and mapped effective dissemination channels at national, district, and international levels. The team coordinated closely with government agencies to gather relevant data and insights for content development. Tulodo also produced a suite of communication materials, including articles, infographics, and posters, and provided strategic recommendations to guide the communication of each site’s Management Plan.

Youth Health Services – Rutgers-WPF

Tulodo was appointed by Rutgers WPF to work with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) review the Government’s youth friendly health service (PKPR) in five regions of Indonesia – Lampung, Jawa Barat Jakarta, Denpasar and Lombok Barat. The review consisted of a qualitative operational assessment of puskesmas (community health centres), interviews with puskesmas staff, teachers, young people both in and out of school, parents and Rutgers partners. Recommendations were developed in consultation with national and regional Ministry of Health offices.

Partnership for Human Development (Australia Timor-Leste)

The Partnership for Human Development (PHD) represents Australia’s long-term vision for enhancing human development in Timor-Leste over the next decade. Tulodo provides technical advice and program input on behaviour change across the portfolio of projects. Major contributions include the research and creation of the Moris Moos sanitation brand for access to improved toilet and sanitation practices.

Tulodo is also undertaking the formative research for the Hamutuk multi-sector Nutrition Program. We also work with PHD and local NGO, Ba Futuru, on the reducing gender based violence through the edutainment film series, Domin Nakloke.

Reproductive Health Project – UNFPA – UNALA

Tulodo conducted an in-depth analysis of Unala, an adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) service model in Yogyakarta, to identify lessons learned, good practices, and strategies for sustainability. The study provided recommendations to strengthen Unala’s long-term impact and mobilize greater private sector and government support. Tulodo began with a literature review comparing global ASRH models that successfully engage the private sector, assessing their relevance to Indonesia. This was followed by a desk review on youth SRH needs in Yogyakarta and the development of data collection metrics. Tulodo then led interviews, focus group discussions, and data analysis involving stakeholders from government, NGOs, youth groups, and health providers to document evidence-based insights and practical recommendations.

Scholarship Tracer Study – Communications Australia Awards Indonesia & Coffey

We provided strategy and communications assistance to improve partner and stakeholder engagement with the AAI program’s tracer study on the impact of Australia’s scholarship program in Indonesia. This includes analysis of the tracer study data, consultation with key stakeholders and development of a communications strategy. 

Fire Up Clean Cookstove – KOPERNIK

As part of Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and World Bank Clean Stove Initiative (CSI), Tulodo partnered with Kopernik to market cleaner cookstoves to poor households in Central Java.

Philantropic Flow – DFAT

Study on Philanthropic Flows in the Asia Pacific: Tulodo was commissioned to research and produce a report on the financial flows and programs of philanthropic actors in the Asia Pacific region. This includes a literature review, field visits, mapping potential partners, developing a scorecard of partnership effectiveness and producing case studies.

#IDWomen4Energy Advocacy Campaign – KOPERNIK

Tulodo worked with Prodigy PR to produce the #IDWomen4Energy advocacy campaign on sustainable energy access in Indonesia, commissioned by Kopernik. The campaign engaged Indonesian consumers to change their behaviors and increase participation on issues relating to sustainable energy. We also advocated for gender to be incorporated in energy policies and expanded energy access for the poor, as part of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) agenda.

Behaviour Change Study on Clean Cooking Effectiveness – DFID

Behaviour Change Study on Clean Cooking Effectiveness: Tulodo led the team to research and produce a report on the effectiveness of behavior change interventions on clean cooking globally, including cost effectiveness analysis and case studies. Study consortium partners are HED Consulting, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Duke University.

Indonesian Youth in the 21st Century Mapping – UNFPA

Tulodo’s role was to research and produce a report that mapped social and behavior change programs focused on youth throughout Indonesia. Tulodo led consultations with UN, government and donor agencies, as well as NGOs, private sector and youth to identify priorities for the future. We also provided recommendations to support the Government of Indonesia’s National Youth Strategy 2014-19.