Kopernik, arguably one of Indonesia’s most impressive nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), typically has more than 20 different programs running at any time across the archipelago, finding what works in addressing the social and environmental challenges facing Indonesia today by experimenting with potential solutions.

Using lean experimentation, simple technology and behavioral science principles, all supported by data and evidence, Kopernik is on the cutting edge of development, working in some of the most remote places on the planet.

But money doesn’t grow on trees, and Kopernik’s work needs funding. Ewa Wojkowska, the NGO’s cofounder and chief operating officer, shares her thoughts on this and other related issues.

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I think we NGOs, as a sector, are generally quite bad at communicating the urgency of the problems that need to be solved. Climate change is a good example. One reason for this is because the work that needs to be done to fix these problems is not “sexy”. These issues need to become mainstream. Everyone needs to be part of the solution.

We NGOs are working on fixing stuff that is broken. We’re talking about major issues – climate change, malnutrition, air and marine plastic pollution, poverty – the problems are so big. But there’s a massive trust deficit toward the organizations working on fixing them.

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