SDI conducts a research focusing on the agenda that will strengthen discussion and various inventions/findings especially in environmental sectors (forest, mining, marine, climate, energy, fresh water, etc.), as well as cross-sector topics such as economic condition, new technology and globalization. With this research program, the community is expected to play a role in formulating various policy alternatives as well as public policy improvement. SDI Researchers are those coming from various fields of science.

As for natural resources management, SDI analyzes the performance of various programs government of the government and of private sectors in forestry, marine, mining and other resources sectors. SDI also develops research programs in sustainable natural resources and environment which are applicable to improve community welfare. Research is also conducted for developing community empowerment programs in order to make sure that the result of research is relevant to the needs of the community.