Donny Setiawan, M.T

Donny Setiawan,  is a Senior Public Policy and Fiscal Governance Expert with more than two decades of experience in strengthening civil society, advancing public policy reform, promoting good governance, and advancing transparency and accountability in public finance in Indonesia. As one of the founding declarators of Perkumpulan INISIATIF, he was part of the early generation that helped establish the organization as a strategic platform for developing ideas, conducting policy research, and advancing evidence-based advocacy. His professional journey is deeply rooted in community development, particularly in participatory planning and the empowerment of communities facing unequal access to resources and public services. Donny holds a Master’s degree from the School of Architecture, Planning and Policy Development (SAPPK), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).

Throughout his long-standing engagement with Perkumpulan INISIATIF, Donny has held strategic leadership positions, including Executive Director and Secretary General, and played an important role in strengthening the organization’s contribution to public budget reform and governance. His leadership has been characterized by a strong commitment to bridging knowledge, public policy, and civil society action—promoting planning and budgeting processes that are more transparent, participatory, responsive, and oriented toward citizens’ interests. His professional experience encompasses research and advocacy across a broad range of development sectors, including health, education, water and sanitation, natural resource governance, poverty reduction, decentralization, and local governance.

Donny currently continues his international engagement as a Senior Program Officer at the International Budget Partnership (IBP), where his work focuses on public finance, fiscal policy, budget accountability, transparency, and social accountability. His extensive experience has shaped a strong perspective on the importance of connecting fiscal policy reform with democratic governance, social justice, and the realization of citizens’ rights. His work reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring that public resources are managed transparently, equitably, and accountably, while strengthening the capacity of citizens and civil society organizations to participate meaningfully in public decision-making.

Areas of Expertise:Public Finance & Fiscal Policy; Public Budgeting & Budget Accountability; Participatory Planning & Budgeting; Decentralization & Local Governance; Public Policy Research & Advocacy; Transparency & Access to Information; Civil Society Strengthening; and Social Accountability.

Email : donny.setiawan@inisiatif.org or d_set94@yahoo.com