East Lombok, 10 June 2026 — Journalists from national and local media visited Kembang Kerang Village in East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, to see first-hand how communities, the village government and civil society organisations are working together to advance more inclusive development.
The visit was attended by journalists from Kompas, Liputan6.com, IDN Times, Suara NTB, Tribun Lombok and Lombok Post. Kembang Kerang is one of the locations where the Australia–Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI) is implemented by Yayasan BaKTI and its local partner, Lombok Research Center (LRC).
Through INKLUSI, BaKTI and LRC work in 15 villages across East Lombok Regency to strengthen the participation of marginalised groups in decision-making, expand access to social protection and services for responding to violence, and support economic empowerment.
The journalists also met with members of the Saiq Angen Constituent Group, a community platform where women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups can raise concerns, access government services and participate in village-level decision-making.
The group also manages a community-based complaints post where residents can access information, initial assistance and referrals to relevant government services, including support in cases of violence against women and children and efforts to prevent child marriage.
Acting Quickly to Protect Children
Lasmini, Chair of the Saiq Angen Constituent Group, said every report received is followed up immediately, particularly those involving child marriage.
“Child marriage cases cannot wait. As soon as we receive a report, we take action,” she said.
The group then coordinates with the village government, religious leaders and the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) to ensure the child receives appropriate protection.
Australian Consul-General in Bali Jo Stevens commended the collaboration between communities, the village government and civil society organisations through INKLUSI. She said the groups not only identify local issues but also help pursue solutions to challenges faced by the community.
“These groups work to identify issues at the village level, advocate for solutions and support economic empowerment for marginalised groups, including women, children and persons with disabilities,” she said.
The village government also plays an important role in translating community aspirations into policy and development planning. During his term as Head of Kembang Kerang Village, Yahya Putra supported the involvement of the Constituent Group and efforts to expand women’s and marginalised groups’ access to social protection and essential services.
“Child marriage cannot be addressed by one party alone. Everyone must work together to ensure children are protected,” said Yahya, who recently completed his term as village head.
He cited one child marriage case that was successfully prevented through collaboration between the village government, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders. Their joint efforts enabled the child to return to their family and receive appropriate protection.
Expanding Economic Opportunities for Women
The journalists also visited Bina Sejahtera Village-Owned Enterprise Mart, which markets products made by Kembang Kerang residents. They then met a women-led business group headed by Haeriah, which produces banana chips and other processed foods.
Since establishing the business in 2018, Haeriah has not only increased her family’s income but also created employment opportunities for other women in the village. Through INKLUSI, the group has received support in financial record-keeping, business registration and expanding market access.
“This program has helped my business grow,” Haeriah said.
She hopes to establish a larger production facility to increase capacity and create more employment opportunities for women in her community.
The village-owned enterprise supports Haeriah’s business by purchasing and marketing its products alongside goods produced by other local enterprises. Niswan, Director of Bina Sejahtera Village-Owned Enterprise, said the products are sold to local residents and visitors to the village.
This field visit demonstrated that inclusion is not achieved through policy alone. It is built through community participation, locally led services and economic opportunities that respond to people’s everyday needs. Kembang Kerang offers one example of how collaboration between communities, village government and civil society can contribute to development that is more responsive, equitable and inclusive.
