Publications

In mid 2008, Statoil began the first phase of its Integrated Community Development Programme (ICDP) in Mamuju, West Sulawesi. The programme was designed as an integrated, yet simple, achievable and measurable response to basic local community needs. The ICDPs principles are: (1) to contribute directly to poverty alleviation, (2) to promote active community participation and foster self-confidence, a sense of ownership, responsibility and transparency among the communities involved, (3) to be local resources-based for efficiency and effectiveness, (4) to promote sustainability by creating community self reliance, (5) to be innovative and provide added value to existing activities and approaches, and (6) to collaborate with the appropriate authorities, promote support and synergy and prevent overlapping functions. Following assessments and consultations with stakeholders in the field, the ICDP decided to address education and health issues and microeconomic development. Criteria, rules of engagement and collaboration agreements were established from the outset to ensure that the communities were willing to take responsibility for, and contribute to the development programmes. These agreements were essential for preventing over expectations and eliminating future dependency. Thanks to the programme, more than 150 students now have proper school buildings to study in, while over 1500 community members have received easy access to healthcare from a mobile health clinic, which eliminates the need for costly and timeconsuming journeys to city hospitals. Two womens groups running mandar oil ( traditional coconut cooking oil) businesses have received training, technical assistance, equipment, working capital and broader market access. Statoils strategy and approach to the ICDP demonstrates a passion for issues beyond its core business.