Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is a vast, sprawling megacity where some of the greatest wealth and poverty in the country exist almost side by side. Millions work in the informal sector, relying on fluctuating incomes to cover the irregular costs of daily life. Government initiatives such as help with healthcare fees and education; response to emergency situations; and community based interventions all aim to relieve the poverty of those at the bottom of the ladder.

Community Development Program – West Jakarta

SEEDS members working with Yayasan Pendar Pagi (YPP) in Jakarta are working alongside national partners in one of the most densely populated areas of the inner city to establish a community development program. The first step in this process has been the opening of a community centre in the same building as a local kindergarten in West Jakarta, in the heart of a bustling textiles production area. Early programs including a weekly creative hour for children aged 6-12 and a nutrition course for women have been well received.

Building on these foundations the team is beginning participatory research into specific needs in the area, working with residents to better understand their challenges and opportunities. The results of this will inform and ignite future community development projects, for example environmental projects; employment and business initiatives including skills training; housing and advice services; or a wider range of children’s and youth activities.

The strategic position of the community centre is also allowing the team to explore outreach services to a marginalised population living nearby in temporary shelters alongside a busy railway line.