Samdhana Institute

Samdhana Institute is a non-profit organization committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Southeast Asia. With its headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia, and offices in the Philippines, Samdhana operates across the region, including the Mekong countries—Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The institute empowers communities by securing land and resource rights, strengthening governance and leadership, and promoting sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. Through small grants, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs, Samdhana helps local organizations and grassroots groups develop solutions for social and environmental challenges.

Vision & Mission
Samdhana envisions a Southeast Asia where natural, cultural, and spiritual diversity are respected, and environmental conflicts are resolved peacefully with justice and equity for all. To achieve this, the institute works to ensure that Indigenous Peoples and local communities have clear rights, access to justice, strong leadership, financial resources, and appropriate technical support. Samdhana’s mission is to empower these communities by advocating for land and resource rights, strengthening governance and leadership, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering environmental conservation. It also facilitates networking and policy engagement to ensure local voices are represented in decision-making processes.

Samdhana’s Work in the Mekong Region
In the Mekong region, Samdhana focuses on strengthening Indigenous and local communities through its Mekong Small Grants Facility, which provides direct financial and technical support. This initiative helps communities secure land tenure, protect natural resources, strengthen governance, and develop sustainable livelihoods.

Samdhana also invests in capacity building and leadership development, offering training for community leaders, youth, and women in governance, land rights, and advocacy. These programs equip Indigenous groups with the skills to engage in policy discussions and secure legal recognition of their land and resource rights.

In addition, Samdhana promotes environmental sustainability and conservation by supporting community-based natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation strategies. These efforts enhance local resilience to environmental and social changes.

The institute also fosters networking and policy engagement, connecting Indigenous and local communities with policymakers, advocacy platforms, and development partners. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, Samdhana ensures that local voices are central to shaping policies and solutions that impact their lands and livelihoods.