Preamble

This Code of Ethics reflects A R K Foundation’s moral commitment and institutional integrity as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating equality and fulfilling the human rights of marginalized communities. All A R K personnel are required to uphold the values enshrined in this Code in every action, decision, and working relationship.

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Chapter I — General Provisions

Article 1  Definitions

The term “A R K personnel” in this Code refers to all parties with a formal or functional relationship with Yayasan Amerta Reksa Kayana, including:

• Foundation Board members (Founders, Executive Board, Supervisory Board).
• Permanent and contract staff (full-time and part-time).
• Interns and volunteers.
• Consultants and working partners executing tasks on behalf of A R K, insofar as they relate to A R K assignments.
• Third parties officially representing A R K in specific activities (e.g., resource persons, facilitators, field representatives).
• These provisions apply for as long as the individual is performing duties, representing, or contracted to collaborate with A R K, whether in the office, in the field, or in online activities.

Article2 Objectives of The Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is established to:

• Serve as a behavioral guide for all A R K personnel.
• Protect the dignity, safety, and rights of beneficiaries and communities served.
• Prevent and address ethical violations, including discrimination, harassment, corruption, and abuse of authority.

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ChapterII — Core Values

Article3 A R K’S Core Values

A R K upholds ten interrelated core values:

• Human Rights (HAM): Respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights across all policies, programs, and working relationships.
• Inclusivity: Accepting diversity unconditionally, including diversity of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, age, and social background.
• Integrity: Acting honestly, consistently, and with zero tolerance for corruption in every action and decision.
• Independence: Maintaining freedom from political influence, donor interests, or particular groups that may compromise the objectivity of research and advocacy.
• Equality: Treating every individual fairly and equally, without discrimination.
• Humanity: Prioritizing the safety, dignity, and well-being of beneficiaries above all other interests.
• Prevention: A R K is committed to proactive prevention efforts, including training, awareness-raising, and systems strengthening.
• Accountability: A R K takes responsibility for the actions of its personnel and ensures that violations carry consequences.
• Participation: Beneficiaries, particularly children and persons with disabilities, are engaged in the design and evaluation of safeguarding mechanisms.
• Scientific Integrity: Ensuring all research meets valid, objective, transparent, and replicable methodological standards—no manipulation of data or suppression of findings.
• Evidence-Based Advocacy: Grounding advocacy in credible research findings, not assumptions or narrow interests.
• Transparency: Disclosing processes, decisions, funding sources, and outputs to the public, except where confidentiality is required for the safety of relevant parties.
• Accountability: Accepting responsibility for every action and use of resources, and remaining open to scrutiny by the public, donors, and communities served.

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ChapterIII — Obligations and Prohibitions

Article4 General Obligations

All A R K personnel are obligated to:

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations and A R K’s internal policies.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data and information on beneficiaries, staff, donors, and funding sources.
• Report suspected violations of the Code of Ethics through the available whistleblowing channels.
• Create a work and program environment that is safe and free from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
• Respect the dignity and autonomy of beneficiaries, including their right to refuse services or participation in research.
• Openly declare any potential conflict of interest that may affect the objectivity of their work.

Article5  Prohibitions

A R K personnel are prohibited from:

• Discriminating based on gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, age, or social status.
• Engaging in sexual harassment in any form (verbal, physical, psychological, or online).
• Misusing authority, funds, or A R K assets for personal or group gain.
• Exploiting relationships with beneficiaries, partners, or subordinate staff for sexual transactions, rewards, or other personal benefits.
• Disclosing confidential organizational or beneficiary data without written authorization.
• Engaging in any act of violence, threats, or intimidation against any person.
• Participating in conflicts of interest without disclosure to supervisors or the Board.
• Manipulating research data, falsifying findings, or concealing evidence that does not support a hypothesis.
• Claiming another person’s intellectual work as one’s own without proper attribution.

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ChapterIV — Implementation, Reporting, and Sanctions

Article6  Dissemination and Commitment

This Code of Ethics shall be disseminated to all A R K personnel no later than 30 days after its enactment. All A R K personnel are required to sign a commitment form as evidence of their understanding and willingness to comply.

Article7 Reporting Violations

Suspected violations of the Code of Ethics may be reported through the whistleblowing mechanism as stipulated in a separate policy. Whistleblowers acting in good faith are protected from any form of retaliation.

Article8  Sanctions

Violations of the Code of Ethics will be processed in accordance with A R K’s Operational Work Regulations (Peraturan Kerja Operasional / PKO), which may include verbal reprimand, written warning, suspension, salary deduction, termination of employment, or termination of cooperation. Sanctions shall be proportional and restorative in nature.

Article9 Handling of Board Members

If a violation is committed by a member of the Executive Board or Founders, the investigation process shall be conducted by the Supervisory Board or an independent third party, and sanction recommendations shall be deliberated in a Board Meeting.

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ChapterV — Review and Validity

Article10  Review

This Code of Ethics shall be reviewed every two (2) years or at any time deemed necessary based on a Board meeting resolution.

Article11  Validity

This Code of Ethics is effective from the date of enactment and supersedes all previous versions.

Established in: JAKARTA
Date: 1 January 2023.