Asset Based Community Development in Indonesia: Case Studies from Buton and Bajawa

Andrew McWilliam and Kathryn Robinson (Australian National University)

This paper reports on the progress of a 4 year action research project in Buton (Sulawesi Tenggara) and Bajawa (Ngada District, Flores) directed towards the promotion of people-centred local economic enterprise in the context of regional autonomy and increased democratisation. Based upon innovative models of partnership, the project draws on the skills of community researchers, local NGOs and government workers to map socio-economic transactions and assets of the local regions as a step towards mobilizing resources for developing enhanced and alternative livelihood projects. As a joint research and development initiative between ANU researchers, AusAID and local Indonesian organisations and communities, the project is exploring aspects of the diverse economy of these regions and contributing to a conversation over economic directions and local capacities for sustainable development.