Supporting new models of public participation will help Indonesia emerge as an exemplar of how to promote tolerance, social equity and environmental sustainability.

The Regional Context

Indonesia has made remarkable progress in its transition from military rule to a thriving democracy. This reform process has given rise to decentralized governance, direct elections, laws that address the needs of the poor and underrepresented, strong civil society groups, and new platforms for public debate.

Despite these successes, state policy and program reforms have yet to address deepening poverty and persistent discrimination toward marginalized social groups. Indonesia is also experiencing increased environmental degradation and is the world's third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Our Goal

The goal of our work is to create economic opportunity and offer increased access and participation in local governance for poor and socially marginalized communities.

Empowering marginalized groups by helping them to gain a stronger voice and a greater say in local decision making is essential to breaking old patterns of social exclusion and new patterns of economic disparity.

These priorities also include guaranteeing the realization of basic rights for all citizens across the diverse geography and culture of the Indonesian archipelago.