PROGRAM REPRESENTASI (PROREP) MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
May/June 2013
M AY H IGHLIGHTS ProRep Supports Accountability and Transparency for Public Funds
Group photo of Maj. Gen. Yahya Sacawiria, trainers, budget staff from the Public Accounts Committee (BAKN), analysts under the Secretariat General, and ProRep staff at the conclusion of the Audit Analysis training.
In response to challenges in performing effective budget oversight, the DPR Secretariat General – with ProRep’s encouragement - is committing additional staff to support the BAKN, Indonesia’s new Public Accounts Committee, to follow up on findings of public audits. In May, ProRep trained a total of 30 budget staff and analysts under the Secretariat General on techniques and principals for analyzing audit reports. The purpose of the training was to broaden each participant’s understanding of the public audit process and provide them with tools to better assist the BAKN in conducting follow-on investigations. Maj. General Yahya Sacawiria, Deputy Chair of BAKN, addressed the participants on the importance of the training, “On behalf of BAKN, I would like to thank ProRep for helping to strengthen BAKN so far. We need a strong BAKN. Only if supported by strong staff can Members like me perform our oversight function effectively. We will now begin receiving more staff support from the Secretary General, and ProRep is supporting us to improve the capacity of this staff. So once again, I appreciate the training”. The BAKN staff and analysts were energized by Hon. Yahya’s support and were ready to begin their new roles. At the conclusion of the training, participants were eager to build upon their new knowledge with additional training from ProRep. Martiasih Nirsanti, and enthusiastic participant explained, “The training gave us knowledge and skills on the audit process. We still need further training focusing on analyzing and reviewing BPK audit reports. We also need pilot activities to try out reviewing BPK audit reports on BAKN”. Moving forward, ProRep will continue to actively support the Public Accounts Committee and build capacity through audit training.
Budget staff from the Public Accounts Committee (BAKN) and analysts under the Secretariat General listen to Maj. General Yahya Sacawiria’s closing remarks.
For more information visit www.prorep.or.id or contact us at prorep@prorep.or.id. Program Representasi (ProRep) is implemented by Chemonics International in partnership with the Urban Institute, Social Impact and Kemitraan. This newsletter is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID.) The contents of this newsletter are the sole responsibility of Chemonics International and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
PROGRAM REPRESENTASI (PROREP) MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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ProRep Helps Spark Dialogue Among Legislative Stakeholders In a groundbreaking collaboration, ProRep brought together civil society organizations, research institutions and think tanks, and staff members of Parliament for a one-day legislative research training conducted by former experts from the US Congressional Research Service. While the training focused on legislative research, it was also designed foster deeper collaboration among CSOs, think tanks, and the DPR during the policy-making process. The participants discussed strategies to effectively engage Indonesian legislators and committees. Committee and political staff offered suggestions on optimal approaches, timing, and information needed to engage Members of Parliament.
“The cooperation with ProRep is the first opportunity for us to engage with DPR as a research institution.” – Vid Adrison, Lead Researcher from the Faculty of Economy of University of Indonesia (LPEM FEUI).
Training participants share ideas and brainstorm strategies for engaging the legislature in Indonesia.
CSIS National Opinion Survey makes Headlines In June, the results of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) National Opinion Survey drew front page attention for more than a week in national newspapers like the Jakarta Post. The survey, funded partly by ProRep’s CSIS Policy Research Grant, incorporated new data analysis and data gathering techniques learned from ProRep’s trainings, including the Policy Fellow’s Course. The study, designed to explore the performance of Indonesia’s parliamentary representatives, found that a majority of Indonesian citizens have never met their DPR member and do not know how contact their representative. The survey also revealed early polling results for the Presidential favorites in the 2014 election.
Left to Right: Dr. J. Kristiadi, Senior Research Associate;
Tobias Basukie, Researcher; Dr. Philips J. Vermonte, Head of the Department of Politics and International Relations present the results of the CSIS National Opinion Survey.
PROGRAM REPRESENTASI (PROREP) MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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Improving the Quality of Policy Research and Analysis DPR researchers enthusiastically discuss the opportunity to apply new policy analysis tech-
From the very beginning of the program’s launch, ProRep has been committed to helping make the legislative process in Indonesia more effective, responsive, and transparent. Now, just past the two-year mark, ProRep is continuing to support the House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD) on key areas of reform and skill development. Last month in Bogor, ProRep trained 46 DPR researchers from the Centre for Research, Data and Information Processing (P3DI) and 25 DPD staff in charge of preparing policy papers for Members, on how to conduct sound policy research and analysis to improve the quality of legislation.
A central challenge for both the DPR and DPD continues to be the lack of regular access to and usage of quality research to inform policymaking. DPR researchers receive direction from the Secretariat General and generally have little contact with their legislative clients – the Members and staff that are the users of the research. In addition, DPR researchers are under the authority of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia or LIPI) rather than the legislature. Because of this structure, researchers face difficulties in responding to the needs of their main clients and typically produce long academic publications rather than the brief and sharply focused policy papers that will help Members make well-informed decisions. DPD researchers’ main function is to channel in research prepared by outside academic institutions, but they are eager to play a larger role in analyzing and informing Members on policy options. ProRep’s three-day training addressed these issues head on. Two of ProRep’s most experienced consultants led the training on Policy Research and Analysis. Francis Miko and William Robinson, both retired research analysts and administrators of the U.S. Congressional Research Service, led energetic sessions that left participants inspired to produce policy research that could serve as the foundation for addressing the Indonesia’s most challenging policy issues. Miko and Williams helped participants understand their roles as “research brokers” positioned to bring academic knowledge into the action arena of legislatures in a form that is useable and relevant. This idea left many of the researcher with a renewed sense of empowerment. Syiaruddin, Head of the Centre for Policy and Legal Studies of the DPD, also emphasized the importance of research by commenting, “As support staff of DPD, we need to supply the Members with adequate and sophisticated ammunition.” Miko and Williams aimed to give them just that – the tools for success. Irdham Imran who is the head of Unit of Policy Analysis of DPD, commented on key lessons learned from the training, “I believe my colleagues agree with me that we learned a lot from the training. So far, our roles have been only to facilitate academics from universities to conduct research for us and submit their products to the Members. Now, we will be the ‘research brokers’ of the DPD. We will summarize, analyze, and present their reports to the Members in a much shorter, simpler, and less technical format.” The facilitators were also impressed by the passion each of the participants had for wanting to ensure that policy analysis and research become a cornerstone of the legislative process in Indonesia. All who attended agree that additional, more advanced sessions are essential to build on the impact gained so far through this introductory course. Dr. Poltak Partogi Training participants work together to complete Nainggolan, head of the Researchers Division of P3DI, workshop activity detailing three steps for policy reiterated, “The training is so practical and, therefore analysis. applicable to our situations. I do appreciate ProRep for offering us such a handy training for my new staff. I hope more training will come.” ProRep plans to continue to assist the DPR and DPD to generate and make use of high quality research and policy analysis.
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Partnering with BAKN to Save Public Funds In June, ProRep partnered with DRP’s Public Accounts Committee (BAKN) to raise public awareness of BAKN’s critical role in preventing the misuse of public funds. The discussion forum included senior officials from the National Audit Board (BPK), the Development Finance Audit Agency (BPKP), Inspector Generals from government ministries, BAKN members, law enforcement agencies, leadership of party caucuses, journalists, and Civil Society Organization (CSO) activists. The gathering of a diverse group of stakeholders provided a perfect opportunity to share information on the importance of BAKN. Dr. Sumarjati Arjoso, Chair of BAKN, gives her
One important goal of the discussion was to build public sup- closing remarks. port for BAKN and thus encourage the DPR to ensure that BAKN has the appropriate resources needed for it to carry out effective budgetary oversight. During the discussion, multiple government stakeholders provided helpful strategies in saving the public money. In particular, the Inspector of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, Haryono Umar, expressed his commitment to expose corruption in his new role. He went on to recommend establishing joint committees across ministries for additional monitoring to better control corruption. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Chair of BAKN, Dr. Sumarjati Arjoso, recapped the importance of the day, “The discussion was organized by BAKN with support from ProRep and is expected to strengthen BAKN in implementing its role and exercising its function to support good governance principals at all levels”.
MPs Reflect on the 2013 JABAT Program Top: MPs Dewi Coryati and Arwani Tomafi share JABAT The second cohort of DPR Members (MPs) began program experiences. Bottom: MP Soemintarsih Muntoro their recess visits to their electoral districts in April provides JABAT program feedback. 2013. In June, ProRep hosted a dinner for MPs as
an opportunity to exchange stories, experiences, and provide feedback from the recess visits. Eight MPs addressed the dinner attendees and shared their experiences. ProRep, along with partner Kemitraan which supports the visits, will use their feedback in making adjustments to future recess visits. Yahya Sacawiria, MP and JABAT program participant, shared his recess visit experiences. He explained that the JABAT program helped him connect with a new network of NU groups, young voters, and CSOs for the first time. He was especially excited to receive a positive response from young people in his district. The MPs in attendance applauded ProRep for conducting a survey at the beginning of the program to assess public opinion in each MP’s electoral districts. The survey gave the MPs an in depth understanding of their constituent's needs before beginning their recess visits. Overall, MPs agreed that the JABAT program was very effective in helping them build stronger relationships with their constituents.
PROGRAM REPRESENTASI (PROREP) MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
May/June 2013
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ProRep Continues to Equip CSOs with Social Media Tools Social media training participants work together to develop a campaign strategy using Facebook and Twitter.
In June, ProRep convened 7 civil society organizations in Bogor for a training on social media tools. Members from the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL), Cakrawala, Institute for Research and Empowerment (IRE), Prakarsa, Indonesia Budget Center (IBC), and Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (Seknas Fitra) were in attendance. The June training served as a follow up session to the first training that took place in February of this year. In response to participant feedback from the first session, ProRep specifically designed the June training to approach social media in a more strategic way. The training was organized into two parts. During the first segment, CSO members explored the features of Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs to gather data on the demographics of friends and followers. In the second segment, CSO members learned new ways to formulate a campaign strategy using social media tools.
As a real life example, participants reviewed the similarities and differences between the social media accounts of United States President Barack Obama and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. By the end of the training, each group present had developed a creative social media strategy for raising awareness on a challenging issue to the public. TOP Right to Left: Group photo of Social Media training participants at conclusion of training, Participant presents comparisons of U.S. President and Indonesian President social media accounts, Two CSO members explore Facebook features. BOTTOM: Training participants use computers to access social media sites during training.
PROGRAM REPRESENTASI (PROREP) MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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CSOs strengthen their technical writing skills. On July 16 – 18, ten CSOs will convene for a report writing training in Bogor. The goal of the training is build capacity within CSOs on technical writing for reporting, success stories, and lessons learned. The reporting will help CSOs capture the impact that is taking place in the field.
ICEL presents recommendations to DPR on impact of mismanaged waste from paper mill. ICEL will present an executive summary to DPR’s Commission VII which deals with energy, mineral resources, research and technology, and the environment the second week of July. The executive summary will contain ICEL’s recommendations from the environmental audit of Indah Kiat Pulp Factory to assist a community group from Serang, Banten, West Java. Following this meeting, ICEL will host environmental experts at the ICEL office to discuss the topic on environmental protection on July 16.
Monitoring budget for food security. CSO grantee InProSuLa is carrying out a program to help the Association of Farmer Groups (Gapotkan) advocate for better policies and smarter spending in support of food security. On July 19th, InProSuLa will hold a grand sermon with artist, religious leader, and activist, EMHA Ainun Najib, on the topic of “Rice for the Poor” at the house of Bupati Kulon Progo.
The Urban Institute partners with ProRep for Policy Analysis Training. In partnership with ProRep, the Urban Institute will facilitate a course on policy analysis for DPR on July 26 – 28. The course will review monitoring and evaluation of government policies and programs, analyzing data, and formulating policy recommendations.
Research grantees make strides in preparing policy research studies. LPEM UI completed their interim policy research paper and policy brief on Forest Revenue in May. In July, LPEM UI will hold a public seminar to socialize (share) the research findings. An internal peer review will be conducted to finalize the policy paper and policy brief; IRE will conduct an opinion survey in East Kalimantan on the relationship between DPD members and their constituents; CSIS will hold a meeting with members of the media to discuss the results of the national opinion survey.
JABAT grantees continue to ramp up program activities. Prakarsa will conduct a focus group discussion to gather information on the basic educational needs of the fisherman community in Pasuruan and Probolinggo during July 15 - 30. Cakrawala Timur will conduct advocacy workshops in Tulungagung, Kabupaten Blitar, and Kota Blita on representing the interest of migrant workers to policy makers. The workshops will take place July 15 – 30. The Indonesian Budget Center will conduct an expert discussion on the role BAKN will play in monitoring the use of public funds. Aksara will hold a focus group on regional poverty reduction policies in Blora and Rembang in July.
Training on legislative research and policy analysis for DPR and DPD researchers. In May, ProRep trained 30 BAKN budget staff and analysts under the Secretariat General on techniques and principals for analyzing audit report. In July, ProRep will support BAKN by conducting a follow up training to reinforce the knowledge and skills required for budget analysis. ProRep will also conduct a legislative committee workshop on the MD 3 Law called, “Strengthening the Complimentary Organs of the DPR” in July.
Program Representasi (ProRep) is a three to five year project on democracy and governance supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Its aim is to improve representation in Indonesia by increasing the inclusiveness and effectiveness of groups and institutions that seek to express people’s interests to government and by increasing the transparency and effectiveness of legislative processes.