MENA is a social enterprise that collaborates with communities to help utilize local traditions, skills, and the natural environment to help build strong and sustainable local economies. We design culturally-inspired products made by local artisans, help develop locally-managed cultural tourism opportunities, and are working to build horizontal learning networks so that skills, ideas and experiences can be shared between communities for continued growth and innovation.

MENA’s values are rooted in collaboration and an appreciation of the cultural diversity and rich environmental resources found in each region of Indonesia. We believe that communities’ traditions, wisdom, and skills should not only be preserved, but that along with the environment around them can be a key part of creating stronger communities. This is particularly true in Eastern Indonesia, where local traditions remain strong but local industry is limited and often neglected or overshadowed by extractive industries and outside investment. Strategic, mutual collaborations built on these values and designed for sustainably offer possibilities for developing local economies and improving livelihoods, thereby reducing social and regional gaps.