Indonesia for Humanity (IKa) was founded in 1995 during the last years of Indonesia’s 32-year authoritarian regime. YSIK, as it was called then, was founded just as the pro-democracy movement began to develop with the aim of supporting the movement through small/micro grants from international donor organizations based in Europe (mostly the Netherlands and Belgium). YSIK was founded by three civil society activists who at the time were directly involved in advancing labour rights, consumer rights, human rights, and the development of civil society organizations.
The momentum for changing YSIK/IKa’s organizational strategy began in 2010. Changes in strategy included developing alternative resource-raising strategies, program focuses, branding, work models, and characterization.. As part of the change, IKa also changed the organization’s branding from YSIK to IKa, followed by adjustments to the logo and colours that better reflect the meaning of humanity.
IKa’s definition of resources includes knowledge, networks and volunteerism as well as funding. IKa’s vision is that organization will no longer be reliant on donors for the resources they need, focusing instead on raising and harnessing resources through public donations, value-based partnerships with the private sector, as well as partnerships in a wider solidarity economy.
IKa’s activities are managed under the four thematic strands of the Pundi program: Pundi Insani (Human Rights Fund), Pundi Perempuan (Women’s Fund), Pundi Budaya (Cultural Fund) and Pundi Hijau (Green Innovation Fund).
IKa describes itself as a Civil Society Resource Organization (CSRO) with its vision of empowering civil society that is working towards a just, dignified and prosperous life for all within the framework of human rights and environmental sustainability. The themes of IK’s programs include gender justice, human rights, diversity, tolerance, food sovereignty, and disaster responses. IKa’s activities are characterised by building collaborative action with civil society organizations and marginalised communities across Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua.
IKa believes that a dignified, just and prosperous life can only be achieved through a long struggle that promotes and encourages transformative change. IKa does so by participating in building community self-sufficiency and empowerment.