International philanthropy in Southeast Asia: Case studies from Indonesia and the Philippines

This article surveys the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Southeast Asia, influenced by global and local factors and diverse notions of charity, development, and business. It highlights that despite a weak enabling environment, "home-grown" philanthropy is emerging. Through case studies from Indonesia and the Philippines, the paper reveals that a country's economic development and individual income are poor predictors of donations in the region. It also notes the nascent institutionalization of giving and the unique, more developed philanthropic sector in the Philippines.