The Dutch good governance efforts in Indonesia concentrate on contributing to the improvement of democratic, economic and environmental good governance. Support includes the improvements of public services (education, water/sanitation, and environment) and programmes to enhance the investment climate.

The main challenges in the field of good governance

Indonesia has, after the Reformasi (the fall of Suharto in 1998), made significant progress on democratization and good governance, especially where direct elections, decentralization and freedom of the press are concerned. The process of reform has not yet been completed, and as such Indonesia will have to keep restructuring bureaucratic and legal reforms and continue to strengthen its anti-corruption efforts. Moreover, there are challenges concerning decentralization, public services, investment climate, environment, human rights and reforms in the security sector.

Programme

The good governance programme of the Embassy concentrates on improving participative democratisation (voice & accountability), internal stability, human security and rule of law.

Intervention strategies

• Voice & accountability: supporting decentralization programme; national and local elections; promoting dialogue between political parties; and more participation of the people in decision making processes.
• Internal Stability: supporting programmes which lower tensions amongst communities through dialogue (Aceh, Papua, Moluccas); community policing; conflict sensitive planning; and stimulating economic development.
• Human Security: urging to observe international human right conventions; support to human rights, gender and LGBT-organisations; and if necessary humanitarian aid.
• Rule of Law: supporting programmes which improve legal services (supply side) and access to the legal system; supporting anti-corruption initiatives.

Most interventions are channelled through multilateral partners and in close consultation with the Indonesian Government. Where necessary, The Netherlands will follow a sidetrack policy through bilateral programmes, such as those in the field of human-rights and intra-religious dialogue.

The budget is about 17 million EUR a year.