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 is a key donor in mitigating social violence and enhancing peace building efforts in conflict-affected areas including Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and Central Sulawesi. USAID supports conflict-sensitive approaches to development, technical capacity building, livelihood development, civil society and academic input in relevant legislative drafting and transition assistance to conflict-affected persons.
Justice Sector Reform
USAID supports the bureaucratic reform efforts of the Attorney General’s Office through technical assistance and training for prosecutors. USAID also works with the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court with the overriding 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 supporting legislative commissions to carry-out their functions.
Local Governance Strengthening and Decentralization Support
USAID 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 and cities, the program offers technical assistance to local administrations, local legislatures and civil society in participatory planning, budgeting, financial management and management systems. At the national level, USAID supports the Government of Indonesia and civil society to improve decentralization laws, policies and regulations.
Elections and Political Processes
USAID supports the upcoming 2009 Parliamentary Presidential elections 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
USAID supports civil society organizations and government institutions to strengthen democratic civic culture, respect for pluralism, religious diversity and the rights of women and minority groups. Activities under this program include civic education, advocacy, engaging traditional leaders, building networks to support tolerance and pluralism, and assisting the government in reviewing policies that may conflict with the constitution and human rights standards.
Fighting Trafficking in Persons
USAID is assisting the Government of Indonesia (GoI) and civil society to develop policies and procedures to prevent trafficking in women, girls and men and provide protection to survivors of trafficking.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Support for the Aceh Peace Process
Working with the Local Government, Aceh Reintegration Agency (BRA) and Aceh Peace Resource Center (APRC), USAID’s SERASI program is ensuring a legitimate and robust Aceh Peace Process by strengthening the capacity of key leaders and institutions to dialogue, strategize and keep the peace process on track. In February 2008, APRC established the Commission on Sustaining Peace in Aceh (COSPA), a unique forum for bringing together representatives of the Government of Indonesia, Government of Aceh and factions of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to implement the Helsinki Peace Agreement.
Landmark Passage of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
In April 2008, the House of Representatives passed a new Law on the Transparency of Public Information (similar to the US Freedom of Information Act). The passage of this law signals a step forward in increasing the transparency and accountability of all levels of government. The Democratic Reform Support Program (DRSP), which supported civil society and the DPR in advocacy for and development of the Law, is now assisting Government of Indonesia to lay the groundwork for its implementation.
Citizen Participation in Local Governance
The Local Governance Support Program (LGSP) has expanded opportunities for citizens to participate in the affairs of local government. New guidelines and regulations adopted by the Ministry of Home Affairs encourage local governments to pay closer attention to citizen participation in local planning. In 60 districts and cities throughout Indonesia, civil society organizations are utilizing new and innovative approaches to successfully advocate for improved government services, monitor local government budgets and public policy formation and participate in advisory committees and boards. Combined with greater local government capacity and openness, the result is local government policies and services that are more responsive to citizen priorities.