Name of Organization: DESANTARA, Institute For Cultural Studies
Form of Organization:Foundation
Date/Place of Establishment: November 17, 1999, Depok, Citayam, West Java
Address: Jl. Raya No. 33-35 Depok 16431
Telp: 021-7720 3470
Fax: 021-7520336
Email: info@desantara.org or desanta@indosat.net.id
Website: http://www.desantara.org


As its name suggests, Institute for Cultural Studies, cultural issues become the main focus of the NGO. From its early establishment, Desantara’s founders, young intellectuals who mostly got their education in pesantren (traditional Islamic schools), see the current social problems as very closely connected to cultural behavior. That is why Desantara believes there is no instant solution to the problems. Instead, fundamental actions need to be taken to solve the problems and that includes promoting an awareness on the need to accept pluralism.

To address the problems Desantara takes the following actions: First, encouraging a greater use of logic in the discussion of religious cultural issues. Second, providing advocacy on human rights and cultural matters. Third, promoting awareness on gender equality.

Desantara is concerned with the following issues: First, religious, ethnic, and racial discrimination. Second, monolithic and exclusive interpretation of Islam and third, marginalization of woman and local tradition.

The foundation’s vision and mission are implemented trough the following activities: Establishing discussion forum on religious and cultural issues. Providing advocacy to women and minority groups. Evaluating government policies particularly those related to religion and culture.

Other activities include conducting seminars on religious, cultural and gender issues and producing publication materials such as bulletin (Diaspora and Jalang), magazine (Desantara) and books.

Desantara which has 30 member staffs, has established cooperation with other NGOS such as Lapar (Makasar), Avverroes (Malang), Fahmina (Cirebon), Pakuan (Bandung), Komunitas Adzan (Tasikmalaya), Merak (Ponorogo) etc.

Foreign organizations which provide funding to Desantara include the Asia Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the Japan Foundation.

As a new organization, Desantara faces many obstacles including lack of qualified human resources, limited funding and poor network. Desantara is seeking financial contribution to improve the quality of its staffs and improve infrastructure.