ProRep Newsletter Vol 3 English

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In this edition: Policy Communities: Unite. Discuss. Influence. Page. 1

CSOs and Think Tanks Give Input on National Legislative Agenda Page. 9

Joining Hands to Help Schools Achieve Excellence Page. 11

A Growing Alliance of Policy Research Institutions Page. 12

Celebrating World Food Day Page. 12

Investing in New Skills for Policy Stakeholders Page. 13

Now Showing! New Films on Effective Representation and Community-based Monitoring Page. 15

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.

ŠJosh Estey/USAID Program Representasi

Vol. 3 2014

Newsletter


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ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Policy Communities: Unite. Discuss. Influence. Earlier this year, ProRep began facilitating various actors and organizations to convene to discuss and work towards specific policy changes in areas key to Indonesia’s growth and progress – education, health, and environment. These “policy clusters” or “policy communities,” involving civil society organizations (CSOs), research institutions, policy experts and decision makers in legislative and executive branches of government, are becoming a platform through which relationships are nurtured, knowledge is exchanged, and blueprints are developed to improve public policies. Members of these policy communities are collectively tackling pressing issues such the scarcity of qualified teachers in remote areas of Indonesia, inadequate health care services, especially for expectant and new mothers, and protecting forest areas and the livelihoods of indigenous communities dependent on those forests. These and other issues targeted by policy communities require evidence-based policy solutions, developed through cross-stakeholder commitment and action, both at the national and local level.

Why policy communities? Policy and law-making in Indonesia, as in many nations, tends to be siloed; taking place within ministries and parliament, without sufficient interaction with other sectors and stakeholders. Policies are sometimes set without taking into account evidence-based recommendations made by policy experts and local constituents’ interests represented by CSOs. And actors outside of the policy process generally lack understanding of how policies and laws are made, or how to be effective advocates for policy change. Meanwhile, policymakers also face significant constraints in drawing from research, analysis, and citizens’ input to shape policy.

Having forums like policy communities helps to bridge the communication gap between policy makers and policy advocates and stimulate the establishment of powerful policy alliances. Moreover, it helps the members draw from their individual and institutional strengths, capacities, and knowledge to develop shared advocacy goals and a common vision towards achieving them. John K Johnson, Chief of Party, USAID/Program Representasi


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Why now? A new government and parliament have recently taken office, and with them scores of new ministers, deputy ministers, secretary generals, committee chairpersons, and others. Now is the time to begin working and developing relationships with new leaders and their staff. Reformers in government and parliament have asked that CSOs and policy experts bring to light relevant knowledge and analysis, and apply public pressure as a counterweight to vested interests opposed to reforms.

What partners are saying about policy communities “We used to feel like we were working on everything singlehandedly. We had no partners to discuss things with, or that shared our same environmental concerns. Having a forum like the policy community allows us to exchange information and grow our network, considering also that environmental issues are very broad. More stakeholders involved means greater opportunity to influence policy.” Reynaldo Sembiring, Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL)

“It is impossible for one organization working alone to exercise enough influence to bring about policy change. Partnering with other organizations and becoming a part of a policy community is the way to go if we aim for policy change. Together we have more information, more data and analyses, and most importantly, more forces to advocate for change. It is also constructive, as we have peers that constantly check the facts and challenge our ideas and initiatives. Policy communities also will add more ‘comrades’ in advocating for government policies.” Febri Hendri, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW)

“It is our hope that this policy community provides research that is comprehensive in nature, and which stakeholders can use to better understand realities, facts, customs, habits and local wisdom that vary dramatically across Indonesia. It is crucial that coordination with our main partner (the government), who relies on these studies, begin as early in the process as possible, ideally at the preliminary design stage. This can help ensure that there is a need to conduct specific research, and that the findings of the research might help policymakers to formulate or revise policies that are implementable and pro-poor people.”

“As a think tank that is just beginning to grow, we need to be part of a coalition, to partner with other organizations, and be part of the policy community. Despite our demonstrated skills in producing evidence-based policy research, being an active policy advocate is a challenge for us. Hence, coalitions, partners, and networks are compulsory.” Muhamad Ikhsan, Paramadina Public Policy Institute (PPPI)

Dr. Lies Zakaria, Frontiers for Health Foundation (F2H)

Spotlight on the communities: Who is involved? What are they working on? Where are they working? Currently, there are three newly established policy communities that are working towards specific policy improvements in education, environment, and health.


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ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Linking policymakers with policy advocates

Article 33 Yogyakarta, DIY Yogyakarta and Malang, East Java

Evaluating and proposing improvements to the Teacher Certification Program (TCP)

Jakarta (national level) and Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara Promoting more equitable deployment of Indonesian teachers

Education Policy Community

Stimulating policy alliances

Assisting the implementation of the new national curriculum launched in 2013 Working closely with GEMA PENA – a movement for national education involving 27 education-related organizations

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW)

Paramadina Public Policy Institute (PPPI)

Proposing improvements to the School Operational Assistance (BOS) program

Supporting the strengthening of the Education Parliamentary Forum connecting national level and provincial level parliament members working on education

Garut, West Java and Buton, South East Sulawesi Promoting research-based and pro-poor, and environmentallyfriendly policies

Cross-learning and filling in the capacity gaps

Foundation of Integrated Efforts (YSKK) Gunung Kidul Regency, DIY Yogyakarta, Surakarta City, Central Java, Bandar Lampung City, Lampung

Connecting with stakeholders Anti-Corruption Committee (KOAK) Association of DPR’s Expert Staff (ATAP) Commission X of Parliament Education Forum Education Network Garut Governance Watch Community Movement for National Education (Gema Pena) Anti-Corruption Movement (GeRAK) Headmaster Institute for Development and Economic Analysis (IDEA) KOPEL-Makassar

Ministry of Administration and Bureaucratic Reform Ministry of Culture and Primary and Secondary Education Ministry of Domestic Affairs Ministry of Finance Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Religious Affairs National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) Indonesian Professional Certification Authority (BNSP) New Indonesia

Parents, teachers, students Pattiro Policy Research Network Prakarsa - East Java Regency Legislative Council Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) School Committees State Personnel Agency (BKN) Teacher associations USAID/Prioritas USAID/Kinerja


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ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Education policy community Education is a critical investment for any country seeking

face an uphill battle. Their challenges include remedying

to improve the welfare of its citizens. Improving access to

unequal access to education between urban, rural, and

quality education for poor and marginalized communities is

remote areas; uneven distribution of quality teachers; high

especially critical to enabling young people to break out of

rates of teacher absenteeism; growing demands on school

structural poverty and to reducing the number of dropouts.

budgets, and even mismanagement of education funds.

The number of school-aged children in Indonesia dropping out of school is still high. The Ministry of Education reported in 2010 that more than 1.8 million children each year cannot continue their education. This is primarily because parents cannot afford to pay tuition fees, and children must become laborers working to support family, often marrying young. Yet the challenges to children completing their education

are not only from the students’ side; school administrations

Teachers are the key to improving the nation’s education. If we have more teachers, deploy them evenly to every region, and raise their teaching ability and salaries; I believe this will cure all those problems.

Anies Baswedan, Minister of Culture, Primary and Secondary Education

responsible for meeting the education needs of citizens also

Upcoming education policy community activities •

• •

The education policy community will hold a cluster coordination workshop to review the first draft of their academic paper in the fourth week of November. Article 33 is preparing a policy brief on improvements to the free basic education funding policy. Yayasan Satu Karsa Karya (YSKK) will hold a workshop on the establishment of the regency-level school committee on November 24-28 in Solo, Central Java. Paramadina Public Policy Institute (PPPI) will conduct field research in early November on teacher certification in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, and in the fourth week, there will be the second multi-stakeholder forum on teacher certification.

Teaching session in the fourth grade class in Ciluluk I Elementary School, West Java. While school-aged children living in remote areas desperately need quality education to break free from generations of poverty, they suffer education disadvantages relative to other children in Indonesia. Not only do they have limited access and below-par education facilities, children in remote areas do not have enough professional teachers in their classrooms. A 2008 survey showed that approximately 14% of teachers were absent from their school on any given school day, and that climbed to 23.3 % for remote schools1 . The education policy community is working to promote equitable distribution of government teachers across Indonesia.

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) will conduct field research in Garut, West Java and Buton, Southeast Sulawesi throughout November. This will include school assessments, focus group discussions, workshop, in-depth interviews, and citizen report card (CRC) survey on the implementation of national policy on the management and even distribution of government teachers. On November 27, they will hold a workshop at the regency level in Garut and Buton, inviting government representatives, local parliament members, teacher associations, school committees, and parents.

©Josh Estey/USAID Program Representasi

SMERU Research Institute (December 2013), ‘Assessment of Policies to Improve Teacher Quality and Reduce Teacher Absenteeism’ - http://www.smeru.or.id/report/workpaper/improveteacherquality/improveteacherquality.pdf

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Linking policymakers with policy advocates

Article 33

Epistema Institute Jakarta (national level), Serang, Banten, and South Barito, Central Kalimantan

Jakarta (national level) and Bungo, Jambi

Stimulating policy alliances

Promulgation of regulations on Constitutional Court Rulings No. 45/2011 on forest borders, and No. 35/2012 on indigenous forests

Enactment of stalled implementing regulations on the 2009 Environment Law

Environment Policy Community

Improving the management of conservation forest areas and forestry extraction licenses in these areas

Designing a fair benefit sharing mechanism (BSM) of forestry revenues for indigenous peoples

Supporting the strengthening of the Green Economy Caucus in the DPR

Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL)

Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM FEUI) Jakarta (national level)

Cross-learning and filling in the capacity gaps

Promoting research-based, pro-poor, and environmentallyfriendly policies

Jakarta (national level)

Connecting with stakeholders Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN) Asia Foundation Association of Indonesian Forest Concession Holders (APHI) Association of DPR’s Expert Staff (ATAP) Batambang-Batilap communities in South Barito District Betang Borneo Foundation Bungo Regency Government Commission of Corruption Eradication (KPK) Commission II, IV, VII of Parliament Department for International Development (DFID) District Government Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Greenpeace HuMa IESR (Institute for Essential Services Reform) Indigenous community in Bungo Regency, Jambi Indonesian Parliamentary Center (IPC) Kemitraan Lebak District Government Local NGOs in Jambi Province. Members of Lebak District Parliament Ministry of Environment and Forestry Ministry of Mining and Energy Perempuan AMAN Perkumpulan Prakarsa Policy Research Network (PRN) Presidential Working Unit for Supervision

and Management Development (UKP4) Provincial government Indonesian Centre for Law & Policies Studies (PSHK) Publish What You Pay Indonesia Regional Representative Council (DPRD) Rimbawan Muda Indonesia SABAKI (Banten Kidul Indigenous Communities) South Barito District Government USAID/Indonesia Forest and Climate Support (IFACS)


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Environment policy community With an abundance of natural resources including the third largest tropical forest in the world1, striking biodiversity, and tens of millions of Indonesians depending directly on the forests, Indonesia’s forest is important not only for the national economy and local livelihoods, but also to the global environment. Unfortunately, over the past decades there have been costs to seeking rapid economic development at the expense of environmental sustainability. Deforestation and forest degradation are major problems, earning the country the title of the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gasses2. Indonesia ranked at 112 out of 178 countries on the 2014 Environmental Performance Index3. Though Indonesia has enacted important laws and policies to curb poor environmental practices, such as Law No. 32 in 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management; without robust law enforcement these policies lack “teeth”

and are ineffective, and without implementing regulations there is insufficient guidance on their application. Unclear boundaries of forest areas has resulted in multitudes of conflicts and claims and there is a pressing need for guidance on the implementation of two Constitutional Court Rulings - No. 45/2011 on forest borders and No. 35/2012 on indigenous forests to improve the process of forest delineation. Indonesia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2020 and is participating in the Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Program, whereby communities, including indigenous peoples who often face forest-related conflicts, are major actors in managing and protecting the forests. This is a critical moment for Indonesia to make the shift towards sustainable development and protect its natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

Upcoming environment policy community activities •

The environment policy community will hold two discussions on

environment and climate change policies, especially with regards to

stakeholder forums, applying the Harvard case method to determine the

the mid-term development planning (RPJM) in the 3rd and 4th week of •

algorithm of benefit sharing mechanism from November 10-14 in Jambi. •

November, led by the Epistema Institute. Stakeholders will conduct a second preparatory discussion in the 4th

Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM FEUI) will conduct a literature review on forestry extraction in conservation forest areas area during November in Jakarta.

week of November on the Green Economy Caucus before approaching new members of parliament to help revitalize the Green Economy

Article 33 will conduct a series of focus group discussions and multi-

Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL) will hold a series of

Caucus in parliament.

events in Jakarta during November. They will conduct a second focus

Epistema Institute, during the month of November, will be writing a

group discussion on November 18 or 19, to formulate inputs from civil

policy brief on the implementation of forest gazettement in indigenous

society and experts on the first of the three drafts of the implementing

(adat) territories and forest concessions. They will also initiate the

regulations of the Environmental Law promoted through their program.

drafting of a guidebook for district parliament members’, district

This will be followed by an expert meeting on November 13 to formulate

government officials’, and other stakeholders’ to aid the implementation

a draft policy brief for the proposed implementing regulation. To finalize

of the Constitutional Court Ruling 35/2012.

the draft policy brief, there will be a third focus group discussion in early December.

Sixty four million hectares of forest have been cut down over the past 50 years. There is no economic or ethical justification for another 64 million hectares to be lost over the next 50 years.

The State of the Forest: Indonesia, Forest Watch Indonesia (FWI) and Global Forest Watch (GFW) http://pdf.wri.org/indoforest_full.pdf http://www.norway.or.id/ PageFiles/404362/FactSheet IndonesiaGHGEmissionMay252010.pdf 3. http://epi.yale.edu/epi/country-profile/ indonesia 1. 2.

A villager, Zoel, taps a rubber tree in the rubber forest near Lubuk Beringin village, Bungo district, Jambi province, Indonesia. Currently, of 42 million hectares of forests in Indonesia that are held by customary communities, only one million hectares are legally recognized by the government. Research shows that when communities have no or weak legal rights to the forestland, their forests tend to be vulnerable to encroachment by palm oil plantations and other deforestation forces.

Photo courtesy of Tri Saputro/Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).


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ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Linking policymakers with policy advocates

Frontiers for Health Foundation (F2H) Bandung, Sumedang and Cirebon, West Java

Center for Regional Studies and Information (PATTIRO) Semarang city, Semarang district, Central Java

Strengthening national health promotion policies in relation to the accreditation of community health centers (Puskesmas) and certification of health promotion personnel

Health Policy Community

Stimulating policy alliances Improving Puskesmas services by developing local regulations

Improving policies for better antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care services under the National Health Insurance program (JKN)

Women Research Institute (WRI)

Cross-learning and filling in the capacity gaps

Promoting research-based, pro-poor, and environmentallyfriendly policies

DKI Jakarta and Bandung city, West Java

Connecting with stakeholders

Get involved with the policy community! Do you share the same policy concerns as the policy communities and wish to get involved? Do you want more information on the progress made so far? Send us an email at: environment@prorep.or.id health@prorep.or.id education@prorep.or.id

Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) Community health centers (Puskesmas) Community-based integrated health services (Posyandu) cadres CSO network (PATTIRO Semarang) Health agencies in Jakarta and Bandung Health cadres Members of Parliament from Semarang electoral district Members of Regional Legislative Council Midwives Ministry of Health National Demography and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) USAID/ Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) USAID/Kinerja


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Health policy community Improving national health conditions has been a priority of the Indonesian Government for the past two decades. The efforts have led to improvements in some areas, as evidenced by a decline in the child mortality rate from 225 per 1,000 live births in 1960 to 29 per 1,000 live births in 2013, and improved life expectancy from 52 in 1970 to 71 in 20131. On the other hand, the stagnancy, if not deterioration, of other health indicators negate much of this progress; making improvements in health services an urgent national priority. It is a harsh reality that the growth of more than 30% of Indonesia’s children under five is stunted, and this is directly linked to poor educational performance, reduced years of schooling, and lower incomes as adults2. ProRep’s think tank partner Perkumpulan Prakarsa recently made a public statement on the dire situation for expectant and new mothers , “The latest data in 2013 showed 9,352 mothers3 died because of pregnancy and giving birth in Indonesia. This means that 25 mothers die each day. Just imagine, as we talk, one mother dies every hour.” Prakarsa recommends that Indonesia learn from the Cambodian experience and invest the health budget more strategically

by increasing access to health care through improvement in transportation infrastructure and health facilities. The window of opportunity to improve health conditions for Indonesians is open wide, with the prospect for many organizations to work collectively to help the national health insurance plan4 (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional or JKN) launched early this year to be as effective as possible. This is the world’s largest national health insurance plan and has already signed up 130 million people5. There is also room to influence current government efforts to improve the services offered by community health centers or Puskesmas, by ensuring that policies on accreditation of these facilities and certification of health personnel prioritize the obligation of Puskesmas to focus on communities’ overall wellness, by promoting good health practices and prevention, rather than the current, more narrow focus on just treating ‘the sick.’

Upcoming health policy community activities • •

The health policy community will hold a coordination meeting on November 24 in Jakarta. Pusat Telaah dan Informasi Regional (PATTIRO) will conduct a series of focus group discussions and multi-stakeholder forums at the district and sub-district levels to map health problems throughout the first and second week of November. On the fourth week, there will be strategic planning for PATTIRO Semarang and PATTIRO Solo to enhance the organization’s capacity to advocate to the Central Java Provincial Government for policy changes.

Women Research Institute (WRI) will conduct their research activities throughout November in Bandung and Jakarta. This will include doing interviews, focus group discussions, and analysis. Frontiers for Health (F2H) will conduct the second batch of district-level multi-stakeholder forums in Sumedang, Sumedang, West Java, on November 19 and in Cirebon, West Java during early December.

A woman with her baby is waiting to be examined by the midwives at a local health center (Puskesmas) in Margajaya Village, Sumedang, West Java. By facilitating the development of a health policy community, ProRep is working to improve policies related to the implementation of the new National Health Insurance program (JKN) and reducing the rate of maternal mortality.

http://www.data.unicef.org/child-moretality/under-five and www.prb.org http://www.unicef.org/indonesia/A6-_E_Issue_Brief_Child_Nutrition_REV2.pdf 3 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/10/08/infrastructure-needed-reduce-mmr-say-experts.html 4 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/01/02/birth-indonesia-s-medicare-fasten-your-seatbelts.html 5 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/10/30/bpjs-health-insurance-enlists-130-million-members.html 1 2

©Josh Estey/USAID Program Representasi


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ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

CSOs and Think Tanks Give Input on National Legislative Agenda According to Law Number 12 Year 2011, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), together with the government, determine their policy priorities and formulates bills (RUUs) that will be discussed within a specified period. The period can be divided into a medium-term (five-year) and a short term (annual). The list of bills is known as the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). At the local level, the sub-national governments and local parliaments also prepare the Local Legislation Program (Prolegda) that determine the annual priorities. Every five years, at the beginning of each new administration, the DPR and the government determine their legislation and policy priorities. The DPR’s Legislation Council (BALEG) and the government review each other’s lists and together agree on which bills should be included in the Prolegnas. BALEG compiles a list of draft bills and topics for legislation comprising both DPR and government priorities. This list is then agreed to by the DPR and government and passed in the DPR’s plenary session. During this process there are opportunities for different interests and sectors in society to interface with policymakers in the DPR, and to encourage them to include their priorities in the Prolegnas. Ideally, the process allows the public to participate in the lawmaking process by providing a means for their issues and concerns to be considered. Prolegnas comprises what government and parliament agree to be the nation’s urgent policy needs, but these are not the only bills and proposals considered by the DPR. Each year the House of Representatives and the President submit additional bills and proposals not included in the Prolegnas but which address specific urgent issues

that could affect the entire nation. The additional bills can also come from the List of Open Cumulative Bills that consists of the ratification of international treaties, enactment of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (enacted when there are pressing needs or emergencies), State Budget, the establishment of provinces or districts, and the bills that emerge as consequences from the Constitutional

Between 2010 and 2014 the number of laws enacted was less than 1/3 of the annual Prolegnas targets.

Table 1: Enacted Bills Under Prolegnas 2010 – 20141 :

%

25% 11% 70

8

2010

17% 70 12 2011

No. of priority bills listed in Prolegnas No. of enacted bills

http://www.republika.co.id/berita/nasional/politik/14/09/29/nco0sf-peneliti-produktivitas-dpr-buruk

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Court Rulings. These extra bills, of course, increase the DPR’s legislative workload. In addition, bills discussed but not completed in one year are added to the DPR’s agenda for the following year.

17%

16% 64

10

2012

70

69 17

12

2013

2014

Percentage of enacted bills


ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Making prioritization work In light of these challenges related to Prolegnas, and seeking to draw lessons from the past, ProRep has been working with local stakeholders to support their efforts to better understand, participate in, and help strengthen the Prolegnas process. Between July and October 2014, ProRep supported a series of workshops requested by CSOs and think tanks. The workshops were designed to help stakeholders to analyze, and later discuss the Prolegnas 2010-2014 processes and procedures, and both good practices and challenges faced by outgoing MPs. In addition, the 45 representatives from the Association of Expert Staff of Parliament (Asosiasi Tenaga Ahli Parlemen or ATAP), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and think thanks discussed and analyzed issues ranging from how the DPR determines what bills to include in Prolegnas, to Prolegnas targets, approaches to prioritizing bills, and the deliberation of legislation. Participants in the workshops prioritized a total of 33 suggested draft bills for Prolegnas 2015-2019 in the area of: (1) politics, law, and human rights (5 draft bills); (2) social welfare (14 draft bills), (3) economy, finance, and trade (9 draft bills), and (4) natural resources and environment (5 draft bills). In addition, participants drafted recommendations for improving the lawmaking process

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An alliance between internal – inside persons such as DPR expert staff – and external forces – media and other CSOs – will add to the effectiveness of the advocacy efforts. Media can help convince the MPs that a particular Bill deserves immediate action whilst expert staff have the ability to influence DPR members, managing the dynamics of Bill deliberation should they fall behind schedule from delayed or stalled deliberation process. Alvin Lie, Policy Advisor, former Member of the Indonesian Parliament, 1999-2004 and 2004-2009

to be submitted to the DPR through BALEG. Workshop participants hope that these recommendations will help newly elected MPs to address the issues they consider to be most important to citizens, and at the same time be helpful to new members during their transition period. The recommendations are also intended to help the MPs work more effectively and efficiently while ensuring a good balance between the quantity and quality of bills passed.

Bridging the demand and supply side for better legislation With the recent inauguration of new MPs and the many changes inherent in the reshaping of the DPR following that inauguration, this is a critical moment to engage the institution. Given these changes, ProRep partner and one of the founding members of the Policy Research Network (PRN), the Institute for Research and Empowerment (IRE) conducted an October workshop designed to encourage civil society activists, academics, and MPs to strengthen their collaboration. Around 20 representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and think tanks met with the two MPs, Budiman Sudjatmiko and Nihayatul Wafiroh, and the Deputy of Legislation General Secretariat of DPR in Jakarta, K. Johnson Rajagukguk, SH.,M. Hum. The main objective of the workshop was to explore ways CSOs can better engage the DPR and more effectively influence which draft bills are included in the Prolegnas. The MPs encouraged CSOs and other stakeholders to become involved by working collaboratively with government and parliament and to target specific policy issues. They

©Josh Estey/USAID Program Representasi

highlighted the need for organizations to keep accurate and up-to-date data on their issue areas and to clearly communicate this information to policymakers to support their organization’s policy agenda. The MPs also encouraged the CSOs to build relationships with executive branch officials who can influence policies beyond the Prolegnas process.

A citizen of Sukmajaya Village, Sumedang, West Java shows his health insurance card to access health services at the community health center (Puskemas). Participants from recent workshops on Prolegnas are seeking for the draft bill on revision of Law No. 36/2009 on Health to be prioritized in the Prolegnas 2015.


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ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Joining Hands to Help Schools Achieve Excellence Mantap means excellent in the Indonesian language, and that is just what ProRep partner, Yayasan Satu Karsa Karya (YSKK) and its many allies, are striving for schools in Indonesia to be, through its MANTAP Schools Initiative (Schools with Transparent, Accountable, and Participatory Management). Spearheading efforts to promote active public participation in monitoring the implementation of the School Operational Assistance (BOS) program, YSKK is engaging multiple parties – parents, media, CSOs, and the government – to monitor how the program is actually being implemented and to be drivers of change in their communities.

Through the MANTAP initiative, launched in July, YSKK is

level of participants, to the fact that YSKK works not only with

assisting six pilot elementary and junior high schools in three

CSOs and citizens, but has officially partnered with regional

provinces – Central Java, Yogyakarta, and Lampung – to

education offices and with schools. The workshop drafted

become champions of transparency and accountability in BOS

technical agendas and specified roles for each stakeholder in

management.

establishing MANTAP Schools.

YSKK calls for the public, especially parents, education

Social media platforms, including Facebook, blogs, and

activists, and media to campaign to end the informal fees

Twitter, will also be used to encourage public involvement in

imposed on parents which should be covered by BOS

monitoring the use of BOS funds in schools. If the six pilot

funds. YSKK issued this call during a three-day training and

MANTAP Schools are successful, the hope is that the model

discussion on optimization of social media to promote the

can be scaled up and replicated in other schools in other

six pilot MANTAP schools held on October 28-30, 2014 in

provinces. YSKK will also be working with policymakers and

Solo, Central Java. “The public needs to become aware of

other stakeholders to learn from the past performance of the

how BOS funds are used, and at the same time the forum

BOS program and the experience of the model schools and

on education issues needs to be developed. Students and

use this knowledge to institutionalize the community-based

parents can then monitor the implementation of BOS in

monitoring approach through revised BOS technical guidelines

their schools,” said Kangsure Suroto, Director of YSKK.

(Permendikbud), as well as a regional regulation (Perda) on

Support from education activists and the media is also vital to

education.

monitoring and promoting the transparency and accountability of this national program.

These latest efforts build on YSKK’s earlier research on BOS implementation conducted with the Communities Movement

Among stakeholders, it is critical that implementers and

for National Education (GEMA PENA) in 222 schools (110

regional education offices be involved in and support the

elementary school and 112 junior high schools) in 20 districts

establishment of MANTAP Schools. To gain their support,

in eight provinces: Central Java, East Java West Java,

YSKK with ProRep’s support, held a seminar July 2-3 in Solo,

Yogyakarta, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Jakarta, Banten, and

Central Java. Sixty five representatives, including teachers,

Lampung. The research showed that most of the schools had

parents, sub-district education officers, education board

not managed the BOS funds in a transparent, accountable,

members, Regional Representative Council (DPRD) members,

and participatory way. There were also cases of funds being

civil society organizations, and the media attended. YSKK

misused, lack of transparency related to BOS information, and

attributes this excellent attendance, both in numbers and the

the absence of effective monitoring systems.


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A Growing Alliance of Policy Research Institutions The Policy Research Network (PRN) was established in

of parliament and expert staff from the Association of

2013 with ProRep support and works to help research

Parliamentary Expert Staff (Asosiasi Tenaga Ahli Parlemen

institutions improve the quality and relevance of their

or ATAP) to discuss how research institutions and CSOs

policy research to contribute to sound and sustainable

can interact more effectively with the DPR. The network

policies in Indonesia. The network has grown from the five

also conducted a workshop on developing their long term

founding member institutions to a current membership

sustainability plan, assisted by ProRep staff and an expert

of nine institutions . A number of activities took place in

from U.S.-based think tank, Urban Institute. In November

October and more are planned for the remainder of the

and December, they will develop the impact assessment or

year. In October the PRN held a workshop to help their

RIA tools and introduce them to policymakers and finalize

members understand how to develop regulatory impact

their sustainability plan. Information on the PRN, along with

assessments (RIA). PRN members will develop these RIA

their e-newsletters can be found here: http://www.lpem.

tools for policymakers to assist them in understanding

org/prn/. To get involved with this network please contact

the impact or potential impact of their policy decisions. In

Farma Mangunsong from the PRN Secretariat at farma.

addition, the PRN held a public hearing with new members

mangunsong@yahoo.com.

1

Founding members: Women Research Institute (WRI); Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty of Economics University of Indonesia (LPEM FEUI); Institute for Research and Empowerment (IRE); Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Paramadina Public Policy Institute (PPPI). New members: Prakarsa; Article 33; Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (Demos); and The Indonesian Institute (TII).

1

Celebrating World Food Day October 16th this year marked the 33rd annual celebration of World Food Day. InProSuLA, one of ProRep’s partners spearheaded efforts to commemorate this important day in Kulon Progo, Central Java on October 15-16. During the celebration they highlighted their project results on organizing farmers’ associations to lobby for improved food security and food sovereignty in Yogyakarta. The groups are advocating for using locally sourced rice for distribution to poor families (RASDA) instead of using the imported rice normally provided through the Indonesian government’s national rice subsidy program (RASKIN). Farmers associations and organizations from across Indonesia, Heads of Districts and local government officials, RASDA supporters from Yogyakarta and other districts, and community members came together for this event. ©Wiwik Widyastuti/USAID Program Representasi Members of the Farmers Association (Gapoktan) working with ProRep partner, Institute for Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (InProSuLA), unveil their huge mascot in the shape of a bag of rice at the World Food Day Celebration held in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta on October 15, 2014.


13

ProRep | Newsletter Vol.3 2014

Investing in New Skills for Policy Stakeholders Policy community stakeholders are seeking to bring about real changes to improve the lives of Indonesians in regards to their health care, their education, and sustaining their natural environment. Other ProRep partners are working to address systemic problems to improve the lives of women and their families, and helping farmers’ voices be heard on food security issues. To assist them in reaching these targets and to sharpen their reform efforts, ProRep is partnering with organizations to polish their skills and expose them to new knowledge and practices. The policy communities are also becoming a vibrant space for peer-topeer learning. Alliances between CSOs and think tanks fostered through involvement in ProRep programs are helping CSO’s strengthen their advocacy platforms by infusing policy research analyses, and helping think tanks extend the impact of their research by connecting with seasoned activists. The learning process is constant, These are some examples of the targeted knowledge interventions ProRep has facilitated for partners to achieve their goals.

Policy Research Network (PRN) involving universities, independent think tanks, and research oriented civil society organizations.

Goal ProRep’s partner research institutions seek to develop high quality, relevant policy research and analysis which is referred to and used by decision

Knowledge Interventions • In support of good research practices the Policy Research Network (PRN) was provided with three data sets from the Indonesian National Statistics Agency (BPS). The data is accessible to all present and future PRN members. • Partners are also receiving support in acquiring and learning to use an up-and-coming software tool for qualitative research called NVivo which they are applying to their ongoing research efforts. • Partners are also assisted to increase the reach and impact of their research and evidence-based policy recommendations. Much of this is developing through their associations with the Policy Research Network and policy communities. • Think tank partner, Perkumpulan Prakarsa is working hand-inhand with ProRep and a media monitoring agency to analyze how health issues are presented in the media. This will enhance their communication and media engagement strategy to maximize their influence on policymaking. • Partners have had and will continue to receive in the coming months coaching sessions on how to package research results and recommendations (into policy briefs, fact sheets, and the like) to help reach targeted audiences with concise, clear, and easily understandable information.

makers to develop sound policies.

Challenges • Researchers need greater access to data and research analysis tools to enhance the depth of the research and analysis produced. • Research institutions need to have a good understanding of how to engage with and inform various stakeholders such as government actors, policymakers, CSOs, media, and the public at large.


A member of the Independent Women’s Union (SPI) Kulon Progo cooperative separating coffee beans for processing. HAPSARI has just completed a study identifying the opportunities and challenges faced by grassroots women in developing local enterprises. ©Wiwik Widyastuti/USAID Program Representasi

Association of Indonesian Women Unions (HAPSARI)

Goal In partnership with their ten member women’s associations spread across nine districts and five provinces in Indonesia, HAPSARI is working to

Knowledge Interventions • ProRep Facilitated two womens’ unions of HAPSARI with a workshop on Participatory Analysis and Development of Organizational and Strategy (PADOCS) - a methodology which was developed by ProRep

strengthen the women’s movement, promote women’s political leadership, combat injustices against women, and improve quality of life for women and their families.

based on various existing tools for assessments and strategic planning. Leaders from the Union of Women Farmers and Fishermen Serdang Bedagai (SPPN) from North Sumatra from and the Union of Mamuju Women (SPM) from West Sulawesi feel more confident in

Challenges • HAPSARI’s union members are

running their programs now that they have a better understanding of

spread across Indonesia, working

the vision and goals of the organization.

at the grassroots level. They seek

• ProRep in collaboration with partner Women Research Institute (WRI)

to clearly define their organization’s

trained 20 HAPSARI representatives on research methodologies. A

goals and plans and determine

key product from the session was a draft research report identifying

how their association with

the opportunities and challenges faced by women in developing local

HAPSARI can support their goals,

enterprises. This study, once finalized, is expected to inform their

while aligning with the broader

future strategy and add weight to their policy advocacy activities in

national effort to improve lives for

seeking policies which support women entrepreneurs.

women.

• HAPSARI was also mentored on the use of social media with

• HAPSARI seeks to be powerful

an emphasis on how to manage the organization’s website and

in its advocacy, by promoting an

Facebook account. HAPSARI then implemented improvements such

agenda that is backed by solid

as appointing a Media and Network Officer designating someone to

evidence, and by maximizing use

manage their publications and other intellectual properties.

of social media.


Now Showing! New Films on Effective Representation and Community-based Monitoring Two new audiovisual publications, one by ProRep, and one by partner the Foundation of Integrated Efforts (Yayasan Satu Karsa Karya or YSKK), are now accessible online. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! The first video highlights one of ProRep’s initiatives called JABAT (meaning to ‘Reach out and Engage’) which aimed to improve the way members of parliament (MPs) interact and engage with their constituents in their electoral districts. Here you can see the MPs in action relating to and taking in their constituents’ hopes and aspirations. Just click here to watch: http://representasiefektif.org/view-video-gallery-detail&id=3

(This video is currently only available in Bahasa Indonesia. The English version is coming soon.)

The second video features the story of one of ProRep’s partners in the education policy community, the Foundation of Integrated Efforts (YSKK), on their work related to the Indonesian Government’s School Operational Assistance (BOS) program. It showcases interesting video graphic animations showing how BOS funds are allocated to schools, and what the funds should be used for. YSKK is using this video to encourage schools to use BOS funds as they are intended to be used and to make available to the public information on how those resources are spent. The video also underscores the importance of proactive participation and monitoring by community members to improve the education system in Indonesia. You can watch the video at:

http://representasiefektif.org/view-video-gallery-detail&id=1

(This video is only available in Bahasa Indonesia.) Read more about YSKK’s work on BOS on page 11.

Indonesia Program Representasi (ProRep) is a four-to-five-year project on democracy and governance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Its aim is to connect people, experts, and policymakers to improve public policies and representation. ProRep is implemented by Chemonics International in partnership with the Urban Institute, Social Impact, and Kemitraan. For more information visit www.representasiefektif.org or contact us at info@prorep.or.id. Program Representasi (ProRep) Wisma GKBI Suite 2105 Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 28 Jakarta 10210, Indonesia Representasi Efektif

P: +62 (0) 21 5793 0407 F: +62 (0) 21 5793 0408 info@prorep.or.id www.representasiefektif.org @Representasi_ID

@RepresentasiEfektif


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