Civil Society in Eastern Indonesia is a research report published in February 2026 by the Asia Research Centre, Universitas Indonesia (ARC UI), with Hurriyah as one of the contributing authors. The report examines the state of civic space across Papua, Maluku, and North Maluku, providing an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and challenges faced by civil society organisations (CSOs) in sustaining their work and promoting civic engagement in Eastern Indonesia.
Drawing on qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with civil society organisations, youth groups, and an assessment of local support and funding ecosystems, the study finds that civic space in Eastern Indonesia is shaped by diverse political, social, economic, and geographical contexts rather than experiencing a uniform pattern of decline. Despite these challenges, CSOs continue to demonstrate resilience by strengthening collaboration, expanding community networks, and leveraging digital platforms to advance environmental advocacy, cultural preservation, and civic participation.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations to strengthen civic space through more inclusive and locally driven support mechanisms, simplified funding procedures, sustained organisational capacity-building, stronger legal protection for civil society actors, and long-term investment in grassroots organisations, particularly those operating in remote and underserved communities.
