NGO Focus: Oxfam Indonesia - part 2

Oxfam's work in Indonesia in depth

In Indonesia, Oxfam's focus is on creating sustainable livelihoods, promoting gender equality, increasing fair trade, and preparing for disasters.

The context

The Republic of Indonesia is a vast archipelago of more than 13,000 islands, less than half of which are inhabited. Two-thirds of Indonesia’s 200 million strong population inhabit just three of the islands - Java, Madura and Bali.

Most Indonesians live in rural areas, and 26 million people rely on farming for a living. However there is increasing migration of people moving into the cities, as small-scale farmers have limited access to resources to improve their livelihoods.

115 million people in Indonesia live on less than US$2 per day, and 32 million people at an employable age are without work. Indonesia now owes at least US$144 billion and as a consequence has cut the national budget, cutting back on food subsidies, privatising state enterprises, and limiting spending on education, health and social services. Indonesia is currently ranked 109 out of 179 in UNDP’s Human Development Index (2006).

Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. Power is concentrated in the national government, however most communities are governed by a hierarchical system known as adat, or customary law. Following the resignation of President Suharto in 1998, Indonesian political and governmental structures have undergone major reforms. Indonesia has seen much political instability and conflict over the last century, the effects of which are still being felt in many areas.

Indonesia lies on volcanic fault lines and faces a range of natural hazards including tropical flooding, earthquakes and drought, in addition to persistent conflict. During the last three years 255,000 people died due to natural disasters and conflict, and 1.4 million people have been displaced from their homes.

How is Oxfam helping?

Oxfam has been working in Indonesia since 1972. We work with communities and partners in three major areas, while promoting gender equality in all of our programmes. Oxfam works to:

• Improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and labourers
• Save lives by delivering humanitarian assistance and assisting communities to prepare for natural disasters
• Help to shape government policies in favour of poor people and marginalised communities.

Oxfam’s response to the 2004 Tsunami has been extensive over the last four years. In terms of public health for example, 652 million litres of clean water has been provided, 7,100 wells built or rehabilitated, over 170 community water systems built, over 6,000 latrines and 2,200 bathing units built or rehabiliated, and over 2,500 health volunteers trained. In total has supported 121 projects working with 92 partner organisations, reaching more than 250,000 women and men. Oxfam was a leading actor in the post Tsunami response.

Small scale farmers, labourers, and people living on small islands and coastal areas have limited access to resources to improve their livelihoods. Oxfam works with communities and partners to strengthen the power of farmers organisations to influence the process and content of annual budgeting for the agricultural sector and food security policies that benefit both men and women at district and national levels.

A notable success came in 2004 when ten district governments in Java began to include farmers representatives in their budget planning sessions as a result of Oxfam’s combined lobbying with our local partner.

In working with small-scale farmers Oxfam has sought to modify unhelpful farming practices. Many farmers in Indonesia rely on chemical fertilisers to make a living from the land. Yet these are often expensive, and bad for the health of farmers and the environment. Oxfam works with farmers to promote organic farming methods that are less expensive, and produce greater yields. We also give marketing advice so that farmers can access markets and get the best possible price for their produce.

Last updated: December 2009