:.••Kami dan Pers

Rather than relying on broad government-based programs, an Indonesian nonprofit organization affiliated with Ohio University chooses to help the individuals themselves.

Imam Prasodjo, director of the Nurani Dunia Foundation, discussed last night in Alden Library how the foundation and OU have been able to improve living conditions and relationships by involving local people with projects.

The foundation focuses on improving the country’s recovery from national disasters such as the 2004 tsunami.

Instead of building a school or trying to improve the economy, Prasodjo said more effort is needed to teach individuals how to best interact so they can become self-sufficient.

“Every development has to have an innovative nature,” he said, adding new organizations will help residents sustain villages through jobs, health care and education.

Six OU professors and six doctoral students have traveled to Indonesia to assist the foundation with both construction and teaching projects.

“So many people have supported us in Indonesia,” Prasodjo said.

The foundation works from the bottom up instead of the top down with relief projects, he said, adding that if the residents are involved, they become more dedicated to continuing improvements.

“We want to make sure it also fulfills the need of happiness, but the problem is how to do that,” Prasodjo said.

The foundation was started in 1999 and helped the regions of the Aceh province after the 2004 tsunami by rebuilding the area and creating 60 jobs in the community. They also provided aid in places such as Jakarta and Maluku.

The speech was sponsored by OU’s Center for South East Asian Studies.