Indonesia

Overview

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 advance social justice policies that ensure marginalized voices are heard.

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

What We're Doing

Our work focuses on:

Institutionalizing the participation of the poor and underrepresented in local planning and budgeting decision-making bodies
Improving recognition of reproductive and sexual rights and the full participation of women in society
Strengthening social protection programs for the extremely poor
Advancing public service media that amplifies marginalized voices and critical perspectives in order to build an informed and active citizenry
Contributing to the government's land reform agenda to make it more responsive to the needs of the rural landless and indigenous groups with insecure tenure over their historic lands
Promoting participatory land use management that seeks equity and sustainable natural resource management

Our grant making in the region is pursued through the following initiatives.

Issue	Initiative
Democratic and Accountable Government	Promoting Transparent, Effective And Accountable Government
Economic Fairness	Building Economic Security Over A Lifetime
Sustainable Development	Expanding Community Rights Over Natural Resources
Freedom of Expression	Advancing Public Service Media
Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights	Promoting Reproductive Rights And The Right To Sexual Health

From the Newsroom

In the Headlines: Sustainable Development Director on Putting People First Worldwatch Institute blogs two-part in-depth interview with David Kaimowitz
News from Ford: Ford Foundation Commits $85 Million to Advance Rural Land Rights and Reduce Climate Change Five-year program aims to empower rural communities in developing countries whose livelihoods depend on natural resources
In the Headlines: Letter to the Editor: On Natural Resource Stewardship Ford Foundation Director of Sustainable Development responds to recent New York Times article