History

Yayasan Dian Desa (YDD), or “light of the village foundation”  is a non-governmental organization (NGO) active in community development activities with a special focus on the development of appropriate technology.

YDD activities started in 1968 as an informal group consisting of three activist technical students who expressed an interest in the development and application of appropriate technology for rural development.

In 1972 that group was registered as a formal organization and become Yayasan Dian Desa. At that time, YDD’s personnel totaled only four while activities were  limited to clean water supply and sanitation. Its operating locations were limited to the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java Province.

Slowly Yayasan Dian Desa has grown and at present employs approximately 300 personnel from various disciplines. The location of activities has also expanded, with an active presence in the Province of Yogyakarta, Central Java, East Java, Nusa Tenggara Timur, and East Kalimantan. Outside of Indonesia, YDD is also actively working within the Southeast Asia region.

YDD programs have also expanded and currently cover various fields such as water and sanitation, waste treatment (liquid & solid), alternative energy, agriculture & aquaculture, small industry promotion and micro financing. Since 1986, YDD has also been involved in various urban development activities.

In addition, YDD provides skills-based training to NGOs and community based organisations within Indonesia, relating to the needs of each respective organisation.