The meaning of capacity building in Indonesia

Abstract

The concept of capacity building is often discussed in the literature and represents a central aim of many development projects around the world. Indonesia has been a recipient of many programs of this type, and the nation's agencies and organizations of all kinds have taken up the idea of capacity building as a major goal of development. Despite this, the meaning and nature of capacity building is not well understood in Indonesia, even by those directly involved, and differs considerably from its generally accepted sense in the west. This article considers the meaning and nature of capacity building as it is used in Indonesia, including the ways in which Indonesians perceive the concept. This will provide better insights into the whole question of capacity in that nation and will serve to inform future aid and development efforts.