On 25 April 2025, the Australian Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia, Ms Gita Kamath, visited Hunuth Village in Teluk Ambon Subdistrict, Ambon City, Maluku Province. The visit highlighted strong multi-stakeholder collaboration to advance inclusive development at the village level, supported by the Australia–Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI).
Hunuth Village is one of the inclusive village models promoted by Rumah Generasi, a local civil society organisation (CSO) and implementing partner of Yayasan BaKTI, with support from the INKLUSI Program. Together with the village government, Rumah Generasi has strengthened inclusive policies and services for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, older people, and persons affected by leprosy (OYPMK).
One example of this effort is the allocation of 2025 Village Funds for the development of a Village Data Platform. The platform aims to improve the accuracy and accessibility of data on vulnerable groups to support evidence-based planning and more responsive services.
“I’m very interested to learn more about the good practices in protecting women and children, as well as inclusion efforts for marginalised groups in Ambon City—particularly in Hunuth Village. I appreciate the strong commitment and collaboration among all parties to help realise an inclusive village,” said Ms Kamath.
During her visit, Ms Kamath met with representatives from the village government, Pokja Inklusi (Village Inclusion Working Group), the Ambon City Office for Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection and Village Communities (DP3AMD), and the Ambon City Manpower Office.
Pokja Inklusi is a community-based group initiated and mentored by Rumah Generasi. It advocates for and provides voluntary services to support vulnerable and marginalised communities at the grassroots level.
The Head of DP3AMD highlighted the important role of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) as a strategic partner to Pokja Inklusi. The unit also receives operational support through the Village Fund budget. Meanwhile, in a discussion with the Ambon City Manpower Office, participants discussed the role of the Disability Service Unit (ULD) under the employment sector in expanding job opportunities for persons with disabilities in the city.
Jemmy Talakua, Program Coordinator of INKLUSI–Rumah Generasi, emphasised the importance of synergy between local government and civil society in promoting more just and equitable development, particularly in strengthening protection services for women and children.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to build inclusive villages through cross-sector partnerships. The collaboration in Hunuth demonstrates how joint efforts between local government and civil society can lead to practical, community-driven solutions for better inclusion.
