Religious non-governmental organizations and philanthropy in Indonesia

Religious non-governmental organizations (RNGOs) and philanthropic activities
in Indonesia have a long history. They existed prior to the creation of the nation
state. Social, political and economic changes in this country have influenced the
development of non-profit organizations for more than sixty years after the Independence of the Republic Indonesia in 1945. Modernization and development
projects during the President Suharto era influenced the development of Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). In more recent years, RNGOs have largely
developed as a response to the socio-economic crisis after the downfall of President Suharto regime. Discovering the dynamics of RNGOs in a broader context of
non-profit organizations in Indonesia provides insights into the strengths and
weaknesses of philanthropic activism in recent years. An historical overview of
non-profit organizations, legal structures, functions, and financial resources are
among the themes that are described in this paper.