Jl. Pendidikan Gg. Sui Kuali No. 7 Putussibau, Kalimantan Barat 78753 Indonesia

News

2023 - Networking Day at TU Dresden: Merangat Foundation

**Networking Day at TU Dresden: Merangat Foundation**

At the „Networking Day“ of Technische Universität Dresden in 2023, I, Nia Lie, as the Executive Director of the Merangat Foundation, had the special opportunity to present our organization and its offerings to an international audience. The event provided a platform where we could showcase the diversity and depth of Indonesian culture, specifically the West Borneo region.

**Introduction to the Merangat Foundation**

During the event, I was at the Merangat Foundation booth to explain the core offering of our organization: a unique experience in West Borneo where participants have the chance to experience the life of the indigenous Dayak people up close. Interested students have the opportunity to not only explore the region but also visit our traditional school and teach themselves, regardless of their teaching experience.

**Insight into Traditional Life**

A highlight of our offering is the stay with a friendly Dayak host family. Over a period of about three months, participants can immerse themselves deeply in the culture and daily life of this indigenous tribe. This allows for an unfiltered view of the Dayak’s life, customs, and traditions, creating a unique cultural connection.

**International Networking and Cultural Exchange**

The Networking Day also provided an excellent opportunity to connect with international alumni and students. Conversations at the booth showed a strong interest in intercultural exchange, particularly regarding the vibrant and rich culture of Indonesia. Many attendees were excited about the possibility of learning about Dayak traditions and actively contributing to the educational sector.

**Conclusion: A Rewarding Experience**

Participating in the Networking Day was a rewarding experience that not only allowed us to share our work and vision but also to expand a network crucial for intercultural exchange. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with people interested in colorful cultural aspects and profound learning experiences. I look forward to further developing connections with international alumni and students and to future projects that will bring us even closer together.

The event was a resounding success in every way and an important step in expanding the Merangat Foundation’s international network. **If anyone is interested in having an unforgettable experience in Indonesia and immersing themselves in the Dayak culture, please feel free to contact us directly.**

2023 - MoU Signing for Regional Development Synergy in Kapuas Hulu

On Friday, October 13, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bupati of Kapuas Hulu and development partners in Kapuas Hulu Regency. The event took place at 1:00 PM WIB in the Paripurna Meeting Room of the DPRD Kapuas Hulu Regency, located on Antasari Street, Putussibau.

The MoU focuses on enhancing regional development planning through a Collaborative Governance approach. This agreement is a crucial step toward improving the effectiveness and efficiency of regional development by involving various stakeholders in the planning and execution of development programs. The collaboration aims to create better synergy between the local government, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

**Positive Impact for Yayasan Merangat**

For Yayasan Merangat, the MoU signing brings significant positive impacts. Firstly, the foundation will gain better access to various development projects funded by the government and other partners. This creates opportunities for Yayasan Merangat to collaborate on development programs aligned with its vision and mission.

Secondly, active participation in collaborative governance will strengthen Yayasan Merangat’s position as a strategic partner in regional development planning and implementation. This will enhance the foundation’s reputation as a key contributor to regional development, potentially increasing support from various stakeholders.

Thirdly, involvement in this process will allow Yayasan Merangat to better understand the development needs and priorities of Kapuas Hulu Regency. This understanding will enable the foundation to tailor its programs and activities to local needs, resulting in more relevant and impactful outcomes for the community.

Overall, the MoU represents a significant opportunity for Yayasan Merangat to expand its network of collaborations, enhance its role in regional development, and strengthen its position as an agent of change in the community.

2024 - Reflections from Yayasan Merangat on the Civil Society Space Freedom Dialog in Kalimantan

On Friday, July 12, 2024, Yayasan Merangat had the opportunity to participate in the Serial Reflective Dialog on the Latest Situations Concerning Civil Society Space Freedom in Various Regions of Indonesia, specifically for the Kalimantan region. The event was held online starting at 14:00 WIB/15:00 WITA via Zoom, with the goal of exploring the challenges and dynamics faced by civil society organizations in the region.

Eko Komara from Yayasan Penabulu served as the keynote speaker, providing valuable insights into the current state of civil society space and the challenges faced by NGOs in West Kalimantan. This discussion not only broadened our understanding of the existing issues but also provided a platform for sharing experiences and solutions.

**Highlight: Merangat was founded in Kalimantan and is driven by the people of Kalimantan.**

As a participant, Yayasan Merangat took the opportunity to present the challenges we face, particularly in our work in education and culture. Merangat is committed to promoting local wisdom and international programs, such as IMPRESS, which offers opportunities for communities to explore and expand their horizons abroad. However, we also face several challenges, particularly in ensuring the sustainability of these programs and maintaining community interest in continuing education and leveraging international opportunities in a sustainable way.

We also highlighted the issue of how international exchange programs, such as Erasmus, can be more than just temporary experiences. Merangat strives to ensure that such opportunities are not merely moments of travel but also provide lasting impacts for participants and their communities.

Additionally, the forum allowed us to hear concerns from other NGOs in West Kalimantan, who often face negative perceptions as „extortionists“ from local communities. The proposed solutions emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency in our activities, which we believe will help build trust and better relationships with the community.

Our involvement in this dialog not only provided new insights but also reinforced our commitment to operating more effectively and sustainably. We hope that through improved collaboration and communication, the challenges facing civil society space in Kalimantan can be addressed, and the space can develop more positively.

We look forward to future events and continue to strive to make significant contributions to the community through our programs.