Yogyakarta, 23 May 2025 – In an effort to strengthen community-based innovation in responding to disaster challenges, climate change and food security, YAKKUM Emergency Unit (YEU) once again held Workshop on Access to Funding and Strategies for Sustainable Community Innovation for three days from 21 to 23 May 2025. A total of 58 participants attended, consisting of a team of 15 local innovators from IDEAKSI 2.0, facilitator Ibu Wasingatu Zakiyah from the Caksana Institute, and the YEU team. The purpose of this meeting was to equip local innovators with a strategic understanding of public and non-public funding schemes, as well as to facilitate the development of a roadmap for innovation sustainability.
On the first day, participants received introductory material on taxation mechanisms. On the second day, participants gained in-depth knowledge related to public funding mechanisms such as Village Funds, Special Funds, Pokir, and so on. The facilitator, Mrs Wasingatu Zakiyah, a public budget and policy advocacy specialist, also guided participants in exploring opportunities from CSR funds, community service programmes, and the potential of crowdfunding.
Strengthening Collective Action
This meeting not only provided technical understanding but also encouraged critical reflection and challenges faced by innovators while developing community solutions. One important session, for example, was a discussion about budgets and taxes, where participants were invited to map out each individual citizen as a taxpayer, and then the community was invited to map out the potential for public funding from these taxes. Innovators were also invited to develop joint action plans and formulate key messages for ongoing advocacy needs. These plans will serve as the basis and strategic steps for innovator groups to influence the development planning process at their respective regional levels.
Reflection and Innovation Presentation
On the third day, all innovators presented their sustainability roadmaps, which included innovation milestones, funding strategies, work plans and budgets. These presentations received input from a team of technical advisors consisting of practitioners from various fields. The results of this workshop included 15 innovation roadmaps, a collective advocacy action plan, and a draft proposal for a sustainability grant for innovation.
Commitment to Inclusion and Sustainability
The YAKKUM Emergency Unit, as the IDEAKSI Hub, also ensures inclusivity in the sustainability scale phase for innovators by involving participation from groups with disabilities, women, the elderly, and other at-risk groups. Going forward, YEU encourages the IDEAKSI 2.0 innovator group to integrate their innovations into government development plans and budgets, including the development planning consultation process and climate village programmes.
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Author: Desy Putri Ratnasari (Communications Officer – YEU)