Public Works Institutional Development
   Report No: ; Type: Report/Evaluation Memorandum ; Country: Indonesia; Region: East Asia And Pacific; Sector: Vocational/Technical
                                   Education & Training; Major Sector: Education; ProjectID: P003946


     The Indonesia Public Works Institutional Development and Training project supported by Loan 3112-
IND for US$36.1 million equivalent, was approved in FY90. After a one-year extension, the loan closed
on December 31, 1996, and the balance of US$720,000 was canceled. The Implementation Completion
Report (ICR) was prepared by the East Asia and Pacific Regional Office. The borrower's full report on
the implementation and achievements of the project is included as an Appendix.

     The project objectives were to: (a) improve the coordination of the planning and implementation of
public works activities through staff development and improved management information systems; and
(b) assist the government in decentralizing responsibilities for public works. In support of these
objectives, the project financed local and foreign fellowships, technical assistance to improve management
systems and procedures, civil works, and equipment. The provincial public works departments were the
major focus of the project.

    Project objectives were largely achieved. The project improved the coordination of planning and
programming of public works activities. The most significant success was the definition and
strengthening of the role and functions of provincial public works departments. Large-scale staff training
made it possible for some agencies to assume new responsibilities. Thus local agencies were given
authority for the overall technical supervision and execution of public works programs. Quality assurance
was strengthened considerably, although the laboratories to analyze materials remained underutilized.
Many staff in provincial offices obtained fellowships and improved their qualifications, but the
management training activities were not completed. An integrated training program for staff at all levels
was not implemented as envisaged. Lack of clear indicators inhibited the monitoring of project
performance to some extent.

     The Operations Evaluation Department agrees with the ratings of the ICR. Project outcome is rated as
satisfactory, institutional development as substantial, sustainability as likely, and Bank performance as
satisfactory. The implementation unit performed very well, given the complexity of the task.

    The project shows that with borrower commitment it is possible to achieve sustained institutional
development. Support for major institutional changes, such as decentralization, requires a vision of a final
outcome and a phased set of actions to reach this end. Clear performance monitoring indicators and
independent tracer studies make it possible to assess the effectiveness of inputs, such as technical
assistance.

    The ICR is satisfactory. No audit is planned.