Yesterday, December 19, 2023, marked a pivotal moment for collaborative research efforts in East Sumba, NTT, as the RDI team, alongside partners from the KONEKSI consortium, convened for a transdisciplinary workshop in Waingapu City. Dr. Ayu Khrisna, Farijzal Arrafisena, Rahmah Aulia, and Debby Paramitasari, representing the RDI team, joined forces with esteemed partners from Charles Darwin University, The PRAKARSA, Wira Wacana Christian University, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, and the Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change (IRGSC) for this insightful gathering.
The workshop, which attracted representatives from local governments, NGOs, academia, and community leaders, aimed to delve into the intricate tapestry of formal and informal protection programs and the rich cultural heritage of the East Sumba community.
Kicking off with presentations from stakeholders such as the Wunga Village, BPBD, and Dinas Sosial, the first session honed in on understanding social protection practices. Participants delved into the nuances of informal practices, exemplified by the Merapu Custom of the Wunga community, juxtaposed against formal programs provided by the government.
The second session provided a platform for village representatives from Lumbu Manggit, Tarimbang, and Mauliru, including the Women-Headed Family Group, to share firsthand testimonies. Discussions centered on the utilization of village funds, the distribution of social assistance, and the unique socio-cultural characteristics of each village.
Concluding the workshop, the third session featured speakers from various institutions, including Wahana Visi Indonesia, Perkumpulan Stimulant Institute Sumba, and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. Their presentations showcased exemplary social protection programs and advocated for an understanding of the adaptive social protection concept, further enriching the discourse.
In essence, this interdisciplinary workshop served as a crucible of knowledge, providing invaluable insights to bolster the ongoing development of the KONEKSI research initiative.
