Founders of the organization included Harry Tjan Silalahi, Jusuf Wanandi, Hadi Soesastro, and Clara Joewono.

[1] It also had strong support from key figures close to the government at the time including generals Ali Moertopo, Soedjono Hoemardani, and Benny Moerdani.

[4] In its early years, CSIS was not trusted by some parts of the Muslim community in Indonesia because it was perceived to be a Catholic and Chinese-supported institution.

[4] In 1988, President Suharto distanced CSIS from his administration as a memo from Jusuf Wanandi which advised the preparation of a new generation of leadership for Indonesia after 20 years of his presidential rule was seen as a call for him to step down.

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