CSOs are strategic actors that play key roles in (i) promoting sustainable development practices by ensuring responsible use of natural resources and environmental conservation; (ii) supporting democracy and accountable governance; and (iii) protecting human rights and amplifying the voices of minorities, women, children, and other vulnerable groups. However, CSOs continue to face various challenges, including the shrinking civic space for participation in development processes; limited institutional capacity in various, areas such as human resources, management capacity, and funding; as well as disparities in CSO capacity and differing local contexts across Indonesia.

Therefore, strengthening CSOs in Indonesia has become increasingly important and fundamental to supporting democracy and improving the wellbeing of the Indonesian people. In light of this, SMERU seeks to provide a platform for dialogue on the ecosystem to strengthen CSOs an FKP seminar.

This theme will be explored through two subtopics: (i) the characteristics of local CSOs and the need for sustainable capacity building, and (ii) support mechanisms and appropriate approaches to address the persistent challenges faced by local CSOs, including best practices and innovation opportunities for improving CSO capacity.