Democracy and Governance
Objective: Strengthened local governance, democratic reform, and reduced conflict.
Program Description
The Challenge
- Years of centralized and, until 1998, autocratic governance have rendered democratic institutions weak and unprepared to carry out essential reforms.
- Political parties have not provided effective democratic channels for constituent demands.
- There is growing frustration with the government’s inability to control major issues such as corruption and conflict.
- Post tsunami recovery of communities and livelihoods in Aceh Province has presented long-term challenges, while at the same time presenting unprecedented opportunities for the people of Indonesia
The Goal
- Consolidate national level democratic reforms
- Expand participatory, effective and accountable local governance
- Address conflict and encourage pluralism
Overview
In support of effective and accountable local governance, to address conflict and encourage pluralism, and to consolidate national-level democratic reforms, the U.S. government has dedicated $129 million over five years (2004-2008).
Programs
Mitigation of Conflict and Support for Peace
USAID remains a key donor in mitigating social violence and enhancing peace building efforts in conflict-affected areas, including Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, the Malukus, and Central Sulawesi. Through the Support for Peaceful Democratization (SPD) and the new SERASI Initiative, USAID supports: conflict-sensitive approaches to development; technical capacity building; livelihoods development; civil society and academic input in legislative drafting and transition assistance to conflict-affected persons.
Justice Sector Reform
Through the Justice Sector Reform Program (JSRP) and the Democratic Reform Support Program (DRSP), USAID provides technical assistance and training to judges, prosecutors and staff members at the Constitutional Court and Attorney General’s Office with the aim of developing a more effective, professional, transparent, accountable and independent judicial branch.
Legislative Strengthening
USAID provides institutional support to the National House of Representatives, National Regional Representative Council, and over 60 district-level legislative councils. Activities include: promoting constituency and media outreach; developing the capacity to draft and analyze legislation and operational budgets and encouraging legislative commissions to carry-out their functions.
Local Governance Strengthening and Support for the Decentralization Process
The Local Governance Support Program (LGSP) supports Indonesia’s decentralization by helping local governments become more democratic, more competent at the core tasks of governance and more capable of managing public services and resources. In more than 60 districts, LGSP offers technical assistance and capacity development to local governments, local legislatures, civil society organizations, the media and citizens in strategic and participatory planning, finance, budget and accounting and management systems for service delivery. At the national level, LGSP works to improve implementing regulations and policies. This work is complemented by DRSP, which supports decentralization policy at the national level.
Elections and Political Processes
USAID has initiated a program of support for the upcoming 2009 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Working through both international and local non-governmental organizations, the election support package includes: political party development, election administration, voter education, election monitoring and oversight and strengthening of the legal framework.
Promoting Democratic Culture
Through the new RESPECT program, USAID will work with civil society organizations and government institutions to strengthen democratic civic culture, focusing on respect for pluralism, religious diversity and the rights of women and minority groups. Activities under this program will include civic education, advocacy, engaging traditional leaders, building networks to support tolerance and pluralism, and assisting the government in reviewing policies that conflict with the constitution and human rights standards.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Tsunami Reconstruction and Recovery Programs
In addition to LGSP’s program, the Community-Based Recovery Initiative (CBR) works with 56 villages in Aceh, supporting community-driven approaches to social and infrastructure reconstruction with the aim of planning for the future and the return of livelihoods. CBR is supported additionally with more than $5 million from Public-Private Partnerships with ConocoPhilips, ExxonMobil, Chevron and AmeriCares.
Support for the Aceh Peace Process
USAID’s support is aimed at ensuring the success and viability of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Indonesia and Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which ended more than 30 years of conflict on August 15, 2005. Activities include: support to 2006 local elections (including for the local political process, voter registration, and the local election commission); public information; support for a Multi-Stakeholder Forum established by the local government; legislative drafting assistance and public dialogue on the Law on the Governing of Aceh; creating fora to bring together former rebels, government and citizens and community-based recovery activities for conflict-affected civilians.
Passage of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Legislation
USAID provided key technical assistance to the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Parliament during the development and deliberations of the anti trafficking legislation. The Indonesian parliament passed the law on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Trafficking in Persons in March 2007 and the law was signed by the President in April 2007. USAID’s support was instrumental in the passage of this law, which provides a powerful tool in efforts to prosecute and convict traffickers