Jakarta, The PRAKARSA – The Indonesian Responsibank Coalition held training entitled "Follow the Money" on Wednesday-Thursday (12-13/6/2024), in Jakarta. This training is intended to increase the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in understanding the financial flows of companies and financial institutions, as well as tracking the financing of projects that are detrimental to society and the environment.
In the current era of globalization and economic complexity, the flow of funds is often the determining factor in the success or failure of large projects. However, not all funded projects benefit society. Some of them are actually detrimental, both from a social and environmental perspective. Therefore, it is important for CSOs to have the ability to track and understand this flow of funds.
ResponsiBank Indonesia Coalition Coordinator and Executive Director of The PRAKARSA, Ah Maftuchan, in his speech said that this training was held to strengthen the capacity of coalition members in tracking and understanding the flow of funds that are detrimental to society. "Especially on this opportunity to understand how a company is structured and its financing, how companies and financial institutions organize and manage their funds. "This includes understanding the various financial instruments and financing mechanisms that are frequently used," explained Maftuchan.
After this training is held, Maftuchan hopes that the ResponsiBank Indonesia coalition can produce in-depth research on financial flows to complement the materials and advocacy strategies brought by coalition members. "From the material studied here, it is hoped that coalition members can develop more effective advocacy strategies to influence the policies and practices of companies and financial institutions that have been advocated," said Maftuchan.
This training was attended by around 20 participants from representatives of the Responsibank Indonesia coalition members and several selected CSOs. Some of these organizations include The PRAKARSA, Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ), Lokataru, Transparency International Indonesia (TII), Trend Asia, LBH Semarang, Tempo Institute, Yayasan Indonesia Cerah, Walhi West Java, and INDIES.
With the knowledge and skills gained from this training, it is hoped that CSOs can be more effective in carrying out advocacy and influencing policies that are more just and sustainable.
