Introduction
In the 2018-2019 reporting period, the Netherlands continued to focus on sectors in which Dutch expertise can add specific value: security and rule of law, water and agriculture. Dutch know-how in these areas can be used to contribute to the realisation of several SDGs. Within and outside these sectors, the Netherlands also contributed to private sector development and education. For the purpose of this report we focus on two sectors: water and security and rule of law.
In 2018-2019, Indonesia managed to maintain growth of around 5%, which is consistent with previous years. Nevertheless, challenges remain in terms of ease of doing business and these are hampering development through trade and foreign investment. In the field of security and rule of law, important processes have been unfolding. Among others, the Supreme Court has begun to develop a new long-term strategy. Dutch co-operation is closely linked to this, for example through co-operation in the field of planning and budgeting. Additionally, 1,600 new judges have begun their education – the first batch for many years.
Politically, 2019 was an eventful year due to the presidential elections that took place in April. The largest single-day election process in the world proceeded well. The following months were less calm, with demonstrations linked to the election result, new legislation being debated in parliament and the situation in Papua.