Widya Sutiyo
On 3-6 September, representatives from DFAT, KSI, Bappenas, KOMPAK, Program Peduli and MAMPU visited West Nusa Tenggara. The aim of the visit was to explore opportunities for greater collaboration between programs in DFAT’s Poverty and Social Development and Human Development portfolios.
On the first day , the team visited government agencies in Bima, including the District Head, where KOMPAK is implementing activities. In addition, part of KSI's support to Bappenas' Knowledge Center involved the documentation of a 'smart practice' on clean water management, which is now being replicated in Bima. The team spent the afternoon in discussion with those responsible for replicating the 'smart practice' in Desa Sari and visiting the water source.
On the second day, the team visited the University of Mataram (UNRAM). UNRAM is one of 34 universities which has signed an MoU with Bappenas to improve research quality and its use in policymaking. Discussions were held with the Vice-Rector to explore possible collaboration between universities, local governments and Bappenas.
The team heard stories of smart practices developed with the support of MAMPU and Program Peduli being replicated in other areas without the support of these programs. These are of potential interest to Bappenas' Knowledge Center which, with support from KSI, has developed and piloted a model for identifying, verifying, documenting and disseminating smart development practices for replication and adaptation by others at national and subnational levels.