Our Mission
Fighting against the institutionalization of poverty through our advisory work, funding and advocacy programs.
We are a think tank aiming at eradicating the institutionalization of poverty by strengthening communities at the bottom of the pyramid, the forgotten, and those vulnerable falling to that very segment.
In addition to that, we are also funders, we offer advisory work, we are an institute working for inclusion. Putting our faith in empathetic activism, we aim at empowering countless networks of activisms from urban to rural throughout Indonesia.
Defining the Bottomm of the pyramid
So how do we define Indonesia’s bottom of pyramid and what does Shantanu advocate for them?
The bottom of the pyramid in Indonesia is a diverse group comprising of individuals and families who often struggle to meet their basic needs. This segment of the population typically includes individuals with low levels of education and limited access to formal employment. Many of them work in the informal sector, such as street vendors, domestic workers, and laborers, often earning meager incomes that barely cover their daily expenses.
In addition to financial constraints, the bottom of the pyramid in Indonesia also faces challenges in accessing basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. This lack of essential services contributes to health disparities and limits the potential for economic mobility within this segment of the population.
Furthermore, education plays a critical role in defining the bottom of the pyramid in Indonesia. Limited access to quality education perpetuates intergenerational poverty, as children from low-income families face barriers to acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge for upward mobility.
Understanding the multidimensional nature of the bottom of the pyramid in Indonesia is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving the lives of this marginalized population. By addressing the underlying factors that perpetuate their economic and social challenges, it is possible to create meaningful and sustainable changes that uplift the bottom of the pyramid.
The complex dynamics of the bottom of the pyramid in Indonesia are deeply intertwined with social and cultural factors that have longstanding implications for this segment of the population. It's important to recognize that the challenges faced by the bottom of the pyramid are not solely economic but also rooted in social exclusion and limited access to opportunities for advancement.
One significant aspect to consider is the rural-urban divide, which often exacerbates the conditions of those at the bottom of the pyramid. Rural communities in Indonesia experience distinct challenges related to access to infrastructure, healthcare, and education compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity
further contributes to the perpetuation of poverty in these areas. Moreover, the intersection of gender with poverty is a critical consideration. Women, especially in rural areas, face additional obstacles in accessing education and employment opportunities, leading to a disproportionate impact on their ability to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.
Defining our approach to empathetic activisms
Empathetic activism requires a deep understanding of the nuanced experiences and challenges faced by different communities.
It involves actively listening to the stories of individuals and groups who have historically been marginalized or oppressed. By amplifying these voices, empathetic activism brings attention to the specific issues and obstacles that these communities face, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse groups.
Indonesia also has a long history of top-down political mobilization, with power and decision-making concentrated in the hands of the elite. The lack of bottom-up activism in Indonesia can be attributed to several interconnected factors that have hindered grassroots movements from emerging and gaining traction. One key factor is the legacy of authoritarian rule in Indonesia, which suppressed civil society organizations and limited the space for grassroots activism. The strong military presence and restrictive laws have made it difficult for ordinary citizens to organize and mobilize for social and political change.
Additionally, the diverse and decentralized nature of Indonesian society presents a challenge for grassroots movements to coalesce and mobilize around common issues. The vast archipelago is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, each with its own distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious identities. This diversity has made it challenging for grassroots movements to build solidarity and a unified voice for change. Furthermore, the lack of access to resources, such as funding and education, has presented a barrier for grassroots activists to effectively organize and sustain their movements. Without proper resources, grassroots organizations struggle to reach a wider audience, conduct advocacy campaigns, and implement sustainable projects that address social and political issues.
In the absence of strong bottom-up activism, Indonesia continues to face challenges related to social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Moving forward, it is essential to address the structural barriers that hinder grassroots movements and create opportunities for bottom-up activism to thrive in Indonesia.
To effectively engage in programmatic activism for Indonesia, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the complex sociopolitical landscape of the country. Indonesia's diverse demographics, cultural fabric, and historical context significantly influence the effectiveness of activism efforts. A detailed analysis of the country's political institutions, socioeconomic disparities, and power dynamics will provide a solid foundation for devising impactful strategies for change.
Programmatic activism in Indonesia requires a comprehensive identification of key socioeconomic issues that need to be addressed. Inequities in access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and environmental sustainability are among the critical areas that demand attention. Analyzing these issues through the lens of intersectionality will help in understanding the overlapping and interconnected nature of various forms of oppression and marginalization within the Indonesian society.
Meaningful and sustainable change can only be achieved through active engagement with local communities. This involves building relationships, listening to the lived experiences of the people, and collaborating with grassroots organizations and community leaders.
Understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of different communities will enable the development of targeted and culturally sensitive programmatic initiatives.
In the digital age, leveraging technology and data is pivotal for effective programmatic activism. Utilizing data-driven insights and digital platforms can enhance advocacy efforts, amplify marginalized voices, and mobilize broader support for social causes. Embracing innovative communication strategies and utilizing digital tools for organizing and information dissemination can catalyze positive change within Indonesian society. As we embark on our programmatic activism journey for Indonesia, diving deeper into these areas will equip us with the knowledge and insights necessary to drive impactful and sustainable social change.
Empathetic activism that moves masses from every demographic for policy changes
Empathetic activism is a powerful force that has the potential to mobilize and unite people from all walks of life for meaningful policy changes. It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and using that understanding to drive positive social and political transformation. When we talk about empathetic activism, we're talking about connecting with people on a deep emotional level and mobilizing them to take action. It's about recognizing the struggles and challenges that different communities face, and using that awareness to foster solidarity and create change.
One of the key aspects of empathetic activism is understanding that different demographics have unique experiences and perspectives. It’s about acknowledging these differences and finding common ground to work towards a shared goal. This approach can be incredibly effective in bringing together diverse groups to advocate for policy changes that benefit everyone. From reaching out to marginalized communities and amplifying their voices, to building empathy and understanding across different groups, empathetic activism has the power to move masses and create lasting, inclusive policy changes.