The Asia Foundation

In Bahasa: This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges...

In Bahasa: This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges facing election administrators and assistance providers in advance of the 2004 National Elections. The survey was conducted between June 25 and August 10, 2003, in 32 of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, and consisted of a random, nationally representative sample of 1,056 in-person interviews, plus an over-sample of 230 people to allow some regional analysis. The survey was funded with generous support from the U.S. Agency for International

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The...

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The Electronic Procurement System in general and in His Majesty's Government in particular analyzes the awareness, preparedness, and requirements of using information and communication technology in all public procurements of Nepal. The objectives are to (a) review the present legal framework for financial transactions to be carried out online, (b) build consensus for IT-based procurement systems, (c) develop an e-Procurement strategy for the growth of e-Governance and e-Commerce, and (d) draft a pilot project document to demonstrate the viability of e-Procurement in Nepal.

Economic growth in Bangladesh has benefited from two decades of liberalization policies that aimed to increase private sector activity. While reforms have eased licensing and regulatory burdens, particularly for the export sector, the domestic...

Economic growth in Bangladesh has benefited from two decades of liberalization policies that aimed to increase private sector activity. While reforms have eased licensing and regulatory burdens, particularly for the export sector, the domestic private sector continues to face formidable challenges to growth. This is particularly the case for small enterprises that account for the bulk of private business in Bangladesh. Weaknesses in financial markets, burdensome regulation, and prohibitive policies create market distortions that reduce local competitiveness. The combined effect of poor infrastructure, weak public service delivery, corruption, and security concerns constrain the ability of businesses to function efficiently. While many businesses depend on patronage links to survive, small business owners typically lack the resources and political connections to combat regulatory and informal barriers to business. As a result, a weak enabling environment imposes disproportionately greater constraints to small business growth. The findings of this report contribute to dialogue and debate on the policy environment for private sector development in Bangladesh and inform the strategies of Government and other development partners. The Mymensingh study and the recommendations that flow from it reflect The Asia Foundation's commitment to support private-sector led growth by easing policy constraints that affect the enabling environment and mobilizing domestic constituencies for reform from the private sector, civil society, and government.

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part...

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part of the US Government's contribution to the 2003 Cambodian National Assembly Election held on July 27, 2003. The observers monitored all provinces (except for Phnom Penh) during the pre-campaign period, the campaign period, polling and counting, and the post-election environment.

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

The Asia Foundation has cooperated with the Center for Business and Government of Harvard University (CBG-Harvard), which works for Bank Rakyat Indonesia, to conduct a survey on access to and services of micro fi nance institutions (MFIs) in...

The Asia Foundation has cooperated with the Center for Business and Government of Harvard University (CBG-Harvard), which works for Bank Rakyat Indonesia, to conduct a survey on access to and services of micro fi nance institutions (MFIs) in six provinces: West Java, East Java, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Sulawesi and Papua. The survey was aimed at looking at the availability of micro finance services.

This study is intended to help local governments examine how their areas are perceived in terms of investment attractiveness. This study also serves as a reference for the international business community or local investor in making investment...

This study is intended to help local governments examine how their areas are perceived in terms of investment attractiveness. This study also serves as a reference for the international business community or local investor in making investment decisions.

This report presents the findings of the second national opinion survey of the Cambodian population conducted on behalf of the Asia Foundation. The aim of this nationally representative survey, which is a follow-up to a similar poll conducted...

This report presents the findings of the second national opinion survey of the Cambodian population conducted on behalf of the Asia Foundation. The aim of this nationally representative survey, which is a follow-up to a similar poll conducted in 2000, is to provide detailed information on the knowledge and attitudes of Cambodian voters, so that NGOs and other providers of voter education can more accurately plan their efforts. The survey also repeated a variety of questions from the first survey, which provide measures of the progress of democratization in Cambodia and the impact of voter education projects. A democracy assessment survey.

Project Director and Editor: Tim Meisburger, The Asia Foundation

Questionnaire and Report By: Craig Charney, Steve Hopkins, Charney Research

Technical Training Assistance: ACNielsen Indonesia

Research and Fieldwork: The Center for Advanced Study

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these...

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

East Timor’s achievement of full statehood in May 2002 has placed the responsibilities of government completely in the hands of the East Timorese for the first time in many generations. The violent disruptions following the 1999...

East Timor’s achievement of full statehood in May 2002 has placed the responsibilities of government completely in the hands of the East Timorese for the first time in many generations. The violent disruptions following the 1999 referendum on independence triggered an exodus of capital and business acumen, both indigenous and foreign, and left behind a fractured economy with destroyed infrastructure, poorly functioning markets, and a collapsed financial sector. The new government faces daunting challenges in improving the living conditions of its population and charting a new path for economic growth. The Asia Foundation is working with the private sector of East Timor to identify the determinants of and impediments to economic growth, and is providing technical assistance to the government as it formulates a new legislative framework for investment activities.

This report is a preliminary assessment of 30 in-depth interviews and 3 focus groups on elections and democracy in Indonesia. The interviews are the first phase of a two-phase research project to help Indonesian organizations plan voter and...

This report is a preliminary assessment of 30 in-depth interviews and 3 focus groups on elections and democracy in Indonesia. The interviews are the first phase of a two-phase research project to help Indonesian organizations plan voter and civic education efforts before next year’s election, with a national survey to follow. Because these are qualitative, not quantitative, findings, our results cannot be projected numerically to the population at large, but we believe the findings illuminate some important aspects of Indonesian public opinion. Our aim here is to lay out initial findings suggested by the work and issues highlighted for investigation in the coming survey. Craig Charney of Charney Research (New York) and Achala Srivatsa of AC Nielsen (Indonesia) wrote this report, with some editorial assistance from The Asia Foundation staff.

This report is part of a broader research and publication project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in cooperation with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR), with funding support from the...

This report is part of a broader research and publication project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in cooperation with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR), with funding support from the Henry Luce Foundation. A second volume will address regional and global factors, and a third will summarize the research findings and recommend next steps for improved policies and cooperation.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

In Indonesia, the Foundation has been responding to the real and pressing needs of small businesses since 1996. The Partnership for Enterprise Policy Reform program, funded by USAID, works to improve the business environment by broadening...

In Indonesia, the Foundation has been responding to the real and pressing needs of small businesses since 1996. The Partnership for Enterprise Policy Reform program, funded by USAID, works to improve the business environment by broadening private sector participation in government decisions on small business policy. The program is also enabling greater access to credit at the local level through a better functioning financial system. Lastly, the Foundation works to increase the availability of relevant technology and information to and among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to...

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

With support from The Asia Foundation, USAID, and the United Nations Development Programme, this publication by the Transparency and Accountability Network, written in 2002, examines the history, function, and selection process of the...

With support from The Asia Foundation, USAID, and the United Nations Development Programme, this publication by the Transparency and Accountability Network, written in 2002, examines the history, function, and selection process of the Ombudsman in the Philippines.

In March, 2002, The Asia Foundation organized and convened a conference on "United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century" in Washington, D.C., bringing together 10 senior Thais from government, business, academia, along with their...

In March, 2002, The Asia Foundation organized and convened a conference on "United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century" in Washington, D.C., bringing together 10 senior Thais from government, business, academia, along with their American counterparts.

In recent years, Nepal has attracted a lot of attention for its growing problem of trafficking in women and children. At present there is scarce information to support and inform efforts to both combat trafficking and reduce women’s and...

In recent years, Nepal has attracted a lot of attention for its growing problem of trafficking in women and children. At present there is scarce information to support and inform efforts to both combat trafficking and reduce women’s and girl’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. To address this gap the Asia Foundation, Kathmandu and Horizons/Population Council, New Delhi undertook a field-based study to identify perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of community members about the roles and opportunities ascribed to women, the need and benefits of migration, the existence of trafficking and determinants of vulnerability to trafficking. At the same time this study also examines attitudes and practices related to reintegration of trafficked persons.

It is estimated that one in four women in Cambodia is a victim of domestic violence. To address this serious problem, The Asia Foundation’s Global Women in Politics (GWIP) program supported street theater productions to raise awareness...

It is estimated that one in four women in Cambodia is a victim of domestic violence. To address this serious problem, The Asia Foundation’s Global Women in Politics (GWIP) program supported street theater productions to raise awareness about violence against women and women’s legal rights in Cambodia.

The role of heterogeneity in affecting the likelihood of collective action is strongly debated in the theoretical literature. We present evidence from a study of 18 forest user groups in Nepal. Heterogeneity is not a strong predictor of the...

The role of heterogeneity in affecting the likelihood of collective action is strongly debated in the theoretical literature. We present evidence from a study of 18 forest user groups in Nepal. Heterogeneity is not a strong predictor of the level of collective activity. Rather, heterogeneity is a challenge that can be overcome by good insititutional design when the interest of those controlling collective-choice mechanisms are benefited by investing time and effor to craft better rules.

This report presents the preliminary findings and recommendations of a survey study on citizens’ perceptions of the Indonesian justice sector, conceived and developed by The Asia Foundation and conducted by ACNielsen. A democracy...

This report presents the preliminary findings and recommendations of a survey study on citizens’ perceptions of the Indonesian justice sector, conceived and developed by The Asia Foundation and conducted by ACNielsen. A democracy assessment survey.

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that...

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that underpins intervention activities for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons; To document and analyze current intervention models for the  prevention of trafficking, and the care and support of trafficked persons; To assess the features and determinants of vulnerability of girls and women to trafficking, as part of the larger problems of gender-based violence, migration for economic reasons and labor exploitation; To conceptualize the links between trafficking and HIV/AIDS; To recommend approaches to strengthen interventions to prevent trafficking and provide care and support to trafficked persons, and propose supporting rese arch and evaluation activities.

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal...

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal and informal methods utilizing primary and secondary data, the study reviewed policies and laws related to trafficking, HIV/AIDS, labor and foreign employment, foreign travel and migration, gender, and children’s issues. The study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepal’s policies and laws and offers recommendations for improving them.

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of...

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of trafficking and identify the assumptions that explicitly or implicitly inform intervention approaches. A comparative analysis of different intervention approaches (including their content and process) was made using a human rights framework. Issues of feasibility, coverage, effectiveness and sustainability were considered. Finally, lessons learned are highlighted.