The Readout Diastika Rahwidiati x Australia in Southeast Asia: Do we have the development skills, stamina, and leadership?
Dec 4, 2023
Diastika Rahwidiati, a Senior Strategic Innovation Designer at Chora Design and former leader of Australia's aid program in Jakarta, shares her insights on development strategies in Southeast Asia. She argues that Australia has the capability to enhance its leadership and skills in the region. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptive investment approaches and creating effective partnerships, particularly with Indonesia. Emphasizing systemic learning, Rahwidiati believes a cohesive strategy can redefine Australia’s role in international development.
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Indonesia's Growth and Challenges
- Indonesia has strong economic growth and a vibrant digital and tech startup ecosystem.
- However, structural challenges remain in service delivery and inequality highlighted by the pandemic.
Aid as Learning Labs for Policy
- Australian aid in middle-income countries like Indonesia is less than 1% of GNI, so strategic influence is key.
- Aid should act as a learning lab to experiment and generate policy recommendations with systemic positive effects.
Design Coherent, Learning-Focused Aid
- Australia should unify its development intent and design coherent aid portfolios rather than isolated projects.
- Aid programs must foster continuous learning and work across sectors to provide intersectional policy advice.