"Those Not Left Behind" Stories

The "Those Not Left Behind" stories collection by the United Nations in Indonesia encapsulates a series of transformative stories that illuminate the diverse and impactful collaboration of UN agencies across Indonesia's vast archipelago. From empowering farmers on marginal lands to combat erosion in West Kalimantan to fostering rural economic transformations in Eastern Indonesia, these narratives showcase the UN's commitment to sustainable development, gender equality, and inclusive growth. Highlighting initiatives such as the rehabilitation of peatlands for agriculture, the establishment of eco-industrial parks, and the promotion of women's empowerment through the Women's Empowerment Principles, the book offers a glimpse into the concerted efforts to address environmental challenges, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods. Through the lens of evidence-based policymaking, community engagement, and innovative partnerships, "Those Not Left Behind" presents a compelling testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Indonesian communities and the pivotal role of the UN in driving positive change.

Discover the map of the Stories, here.

Stories from Those Not Left Behind

UN and Local Partners Support Farmers on Marginal Lands to Fight Erosion and Flooding, Increasing Yields and Income

In Eastern Indonesia, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and local NGO partners are transforming marginal lands into productive agricultural areas, significantly enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers. Through innovative practices such as terracing, intercropping, and the use of organic fertilizers, farmers couple like Seferinus We’e and Krensensiana Nasa have more than tripled their agricultural yields and incomes, enabling them to afford university education for their children. This successful model of sustainable agriculture is being scaled up across the Nagekeo district - Flores Island, demonstrating a viable pathway out of subsistence farming and towards environmental conservation and economic stability.

Candlenut, Chili, and Chickens: UN Facilitates Rural Economic Transformation in Eastern Indonesia

In Inegena, Flores Island, Indonesia, a rural transformation is underway, facilitated by the United Nations' International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration. This initiative focuses on converting subsistence farming into an agricultural powerhouse, enhancing local economies through the development of food processing industries and increasing exports. With strategies that include improving candlenut processing, expanding horticulture fields, and introducing poultry farming, Inegena showcases how insightful planning and community engagement can drive sustainable economic growth and self-sufficiency in rural areas.

How an Award-Winning Farmer Combined Agriculture, Tourism and Technology in West Java

In West Java's Subang Regency, Adimas Muhammad Wibisana innovatively merges agriculture, tourism, and technology at his Grand Sakina farm, leveraging smart technology to enhance cantaloupe melon production and attract tourists for an immersive farming experience. Awarded a Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Support Services Programme (YESS) grant by IFAD and Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Wibisana exemplifies the potential for transforming small-scale farms into sustainable agribusinesses. His approach not only showcases smart farming techniques but also aims to educate and inspire the younger generation about the viability and environmental benefits of modern agriculture.

Sunshine, Sea… and Skills: UN Supports Women in North-Eastern Indonesia in Sustainable Tourism Development

In Northeastern Indonesia, the International Labor Organization (ILO) is championing the empowerment of women through sustainable tourism development in coastal villages like Budo and Marinsow, Sulawesi Utara. This initiative has notably increased Budo's tourism income fivefold by renovating infrastructure and diversifying local economies to include tourism alongside traditional fishing practices. The project not only provides valuable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for local women but also enhances their skills in hospitality, bookkeeping, and digital marketing, contributing significantly to the region's economic and social development.

From Desperation to Determination: Indonesian Trafficking Survivors Demand Justice

In Indramayu, West Java, Indonesian trafficking survivor Rokaya's harrowing experience of exploitation as a live-in maid in Erbil, Iraq, highlights the broader issue of migrant worker abuse despite a moratorium on work in certain Middle Eastern and North African countries. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Union (SBMI), is intensifying efforts to improve the regulatory environment on labour migration, enhance law enforcement's response to trafficking, and ensure migrant workers' protection and repatriation. Yet, with millions of Indonesians employed abroad, often in low-skill jobs, the challenges of reintegrating returning workers and the struggle for justice for trafficking victims like Rokaya and fisherman Saenudin underscore the critical need for comprehensive protections and victim-centric approaches in combating human trafficking.

A UNEP Pilot Project Helps Vulnerable Communities Fight Forest Fires

A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) pilot project is making strides in helping vulnerable communities in Indonesia combat forest fires, particularly in peatlands, through a collaborative "cluster-based" approach that integrates community firefighting efforts with government and private sector resources. Initiated in 2021 with funding from USAID, the project has shown promising results in reducing the incidence of fires in three fire-prone districts by enhancing coordination and fire prevention strategies. This innovative approach not only aims to mitigate the humanitarian, environmental, and economic impacts of forest fires but also serves as a model for fire-prone regions worldwide, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in tackling complex environmental challenges.

The Number of Companies Promoting the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles Skyrockets

The surge in Indonesian companies committing to the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) marks a significant stride towards gender equality in the workplace, with signatories increasing from 14 in 2019 to 177 by early 2023. Initiatives like the Kartini Blue Bird program, spearheaded by Indonesia's largest taxi operator, Blue Bird, exemplify the tangible impact of such commitments, providing economic empowerment opportunities to women through skill development and professional training. This growing corporate engagement, championed by entities ranging from large corporations to creative agencies like Think.Web, underscores a broader recognition that gender-sensitive business practices are not only good for society but also enhance company performance and contribute to a more equitable and just global economy.

Breaking the Taboo: Health Workers in Papua Explore New Outreach Methods to Promote Youth HIV Testing

In Papua, Indonesia, health workers are adopting innovative outreach methods to combat the high stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV, particularly among the youth. Inti Muda, supported by UNAIDS, is leading efforts to make health services more youth-friendly and to address barriers such as lack of knowledge, concerns about confidentiality, and judgmental attitudes from healthcare workers. These initiatives, which include UNAIDS-supported training for healthcare workers and a festival to raise awareness about HIV services, aim to increase access to HIV testing, treatment, and support for young people, demonstrating the critical role of education and community engagement in reversing the trend of new HIV infections and combating the stigma associated with the virus.

The ‘Energy Patriots’ Bringing Electricity to Indonesia’s Remote Villages

In Indonesia, an innovative UN-backed initiative led by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is deploying "energy patriots" to remote villages to enhance access to electricity through clean energy resources like solar panels. This initiative, part of the UN Development Programme's ACCESS clean energy project, targets improving healthcare, education, and economic development in underserved communities. By installing off-grid solar power plants, these energy patriots, including environmentalists like Ristifah, are not only addressing the urgent need for clean, sustainable energy but also aiming to bridge the urban-rural divide, ensuring equitable development across Indonesia's vast archipelago.

How Islamic Financing Helped Clean Up a Landfill in Yogyakarta

Islamic financing through the Green Sukuk, supported by the UNDP, has transformed a hazardous landfill in Yogyakarta into a modern, sanitary landfill, significantly improving the quality of life for nearby residents by addressing previous health risks such as groundwater contamination and air pollution. This initiative is part of Indonesia's broader effort to embrace sustainable waste management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, financed by proceeds from Green Sukuk bonds, which have funded various projects across renewable energy, waste management, and climate resilience since 2018. The project not only revitalizes the landfill but also integrates a social component, ensuring health check-ups for those previously scavenging the dump, marking a significant step towards Indonesia's commitment to a sustainable economy and environmental preservation.

Local Entrepreneurs Thrive While Helping to Preserve Indonesia’s Cultural Heritage

In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, local entrepreneurs like Dheni Nugroho are thriving by creatively incorporating the country's rich cultural heritage into their products, as demonstrated by Nugroho's UNESCO competition-winning wallet inspired by Borobudur Temple. Supported by UNESCO Jakarta's Kita Muda Kreatif program in partnership with the Citi Foundation, over a thousand young creatives near six heritage sites have been empowered through workshops, mentorships, and exhibitions since 2017, promoting sustainable tourism and equitable socio-economic benefits for surrounding communities. This initiative not only preserves Indonesian heritage but also enhances the livelihoods of local entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, by equipping them with essential skills in marketing, branding, and accounting, and providing platforms for broader exposure and networking.

Doctors in Palu Learn to Recognize Signs of Family Violence and Support Victims

In Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, healthcare professionals like Dr. Fai’zah A.Salim are now better equipped to identify and support victims of family violence, thanks to training provided by UNFPA. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat gender-based violence across the country, enhancing the capabilities of medical staff to offer not only medical treatment but also psychological support and counseling services. The program, which spans 11 districts including Palu, aims to improve policy-making, train healthcare providers, and encourage victims to seek help, thereby addressing the urgent public health and human rights concern of gender-based violence in Indonesia.

Special Needs Students Gain Confidence and More Agency Over Their Bodies

In West Java, Indonesia, special needs students at SLB-C Plus Asih Manunggal School are gaining a deeper understanding of their sexual and reproductive health rights through innovative educational tools and approaches pioneered by teacher Reni Gusnaeni and supported by the UNFPA. This initiative, aimed at students with intellectual disabilities, includes the use of songs, anatomically correct dolls, and tactile books to teach about puberty, consent, and self-care, empowering them to set personal boundaries and assert their autonomy. The program, part of a UNFPA pilot across ten Indonesian provinces, is enhancing the confidence and safety of these students, demonstrating the critical importance of inclusive reproductive health education in protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation and abuse.

For Refugees in Jakarta and Medan, Uplifting Others Provides a Sense of Purpose

Afghan refugee Hakmat, along with his peers in Indonesia, founded Skilled Migrant and Refugee Technicians (SMART) to empower refugees through specialized training, utilizing their abundant time constructively while facing restrictions on work and education. This initiative, amidst challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, has played a pivotal role in providing refugees with vital information, digital literacy, and skills in web and graphic design, significantly impacting their lives and prospects for the future. SMART, highlighted by UNHCR for its contributions, exemplifies the profound impact of refugee-led organizations in supporting their communities, offering a sense of purpose and hope amidst uncertain circumstances.

UN–ASEAN Joint Programme Helps Tomohon Invest in an Early Warning System for Disasters

Tomohon, a city in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, situated between two active volcanoes, is advancing disaster preparedness efforts with the support of UN-Habitat and the ASEAN Secretariat by seeking funding for an early warning system. This initiative aims to reduce emergency response times for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides through real-time alerts similar to systems used in Japanese cities. By leveraging the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanization Strategy (ASUS) and with financial assistance from the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme Phase II, Tomohon is focusing on enhancing safety and security, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring the safety of tourists, which is vital for its economy.

“Aunties” Help Madura’s Immunization Programme Make History

In Madura, East Java, Indonesia, a significant initiative led by community leaders like Alfiatun, supported by UNICEF and the district government, is transforming the landscape of childhood immunization. By integrating educational sermons on the importance of vaccines with the wider immunization catch-up campaign post-COVID-19, they address the longstanding challenge of low vaccination rates amidst misinformation. This collaborative effort, involving nearly 5,000 "aunties" and diverse sectors of society, has propelled Sumenep to achieve one of the highest rates of immunization in East Java, marking a historic breakthrough in public health for the region's children.

A Jakarta Industrial Town Leads the Way to Indonesia’s Green Industrial Revolution

In Indonesia, MM 2100 Industrial Town exemplifies a shift towards eco-industrial parks, with support from UNIDO and the Ministry of Industry, aiming to foster a more sustainable, competitive, and socially responsible industrial sector. Through initiatives like waste reduction, recycling programs, and the installation of energy-efficient technologies, MM 2100 is setting a precedent for environmental stewardship within the industrial park landscape. Additionally, the park emphasizes skill development among the youth through its vocational training school, thereby increasing employability and supporting the local economy, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainable and inclusive industrial development.

Indonesia Is Becoming a Centre of Excellence in the Fight Against Maritime Crime

Indonesia is establishing itself as a center of excellence in maritime security through a specialized training facility in Batam, supported by UNODC, enhancing the capabilities of the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) and regional partners in addressing maritime crime. The facility offers practical training exercises, including Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, to improve regional responses to human trafficking, illegal fishing, and smuggling. This initiative marks a significant step in bolstering maritime law enforcement's ability to protect the vital shipping lanes of the Strait of Malacca, contributing to safer and more secure international waters.

Baristas Behind Bars: From Serving Time to Serving Lattes

In Tangerang, Indonesia, a UN-supported training program is offering inmates at the Class IIA Correctional Facility, including Denny, a prisoner with two years left on his sentence, the chance to learn vocational skills such as barista training, aiming for better reintegration into society post-incarceration. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the stigma faced by ex-convicts through comprehensive rehabilitation that includes personality development, counseling, and religious teachings, alongside vocational training. Supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), the program exemplifies a progressive approach to prisoner rehabilitation, enhancing employability and reducing recidivism by equipping inmates with practical skills and education, including the opportunity for university education within the prison system.

From Ashes to Riches: Indonesian Communities Profit from Peatland Agriculture

In coastal West Kalimantan, Indonesia, a transformative initiative supported by the government's Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) and UNOPS has empowered local communities to adopt sustainable agriculture practices on peatlands, significantly improving their livelihoods while reducing environmental damage. This program, which educates villagers in non-burn farming techniques and revitalizes peatland ecosystems through infrastructure enhancements like canal blockers, has led to a dramatic reduction in fire risk and a considerable increase in farmers' incomes. By fostering a more sustainable relationship with the land and enhancing peatland health, the initiative not only bolsters local economies but also contributes to global efforts against climate change, showcasing a model of community involvement and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.

Hungry for data: Evidence-Based Policy Making Tackles Food Insecurity in Rural Indonesia

In the rural Indonesian village of Idas, West Kalimantan, an initiative by the National Food Agency, supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services, has transformed the diets and livelihoods of local farmers. Through data-driven policy making, the village was selected for targeted government intervention, resulting in the distribution of vegetable seeds and training for sustainable agriculture. This approach not only increased the farmers' income by 50% but also contributed to a healthier community and a significant reduction in the area's food insecurity, showcasing the power of evidence-based interventions in addressing nutritional challenges.

People with Disabilities Break Down the Barriers to Accessing Healthcare for All

In Lampung Province, Indonesia, transformative efforts are underway to make primary health care centers (Puskesmas) more inclusive and accessible for all, including people with disabilities. Supported by a collaboration between the Indonesian Women with Disabilities Association, the Way Seputih Conservation Foundation, SNV Indonesia, and backed by WHO's WASH FIT program, these initiatives have led to significant infrastructural and service improvements. Ramps, wider toilet doors, handrails, and prioritized service for vulnerable groups are among the enhancements ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential health services, demonstrating a successful model of stakeholder engagement and governmental support for inclusive health care.