In 2010, Denmark launched a new strategy for development cooperation. With the headline “Freedom from Poverty - Freedom to Change”, the strategy focuses on the following priority areas:

- Growth and employment

- Freedom, democracy and human rights

- Gender equality

- Stability & fragility

- Environment & climate

The Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a fund, called the “Freedom Fund” with the purpose of supporting developing countries' efforts to promote commitment to democratic principles and provide opportunities for equal participation of all citizens in society. The fund was intended to be used to assist local actors working to nurture a solid foundation for democracy, where the fundamental rights of freedom are respected.

A project was initiated in Jakarta, Indonesia (by The royal Danish Embassy (Danida), the Paramadina University and The Asian Foundation (TAF)) to support peoples freedom in exercising their religions, having a free flow of public information, and for women having equal opportunity in exercising their broader roles in the community. The overall objective of the consultancy was to assist the Royal Danish Embassy in Jakarta with the appraisal of

The Asian Foundation’s project support design and documentation to ultimately substantiating Danida’s funding decision for the start up of the Freedom initiative project in 2011-2013. The project commenced in August 2011 and was finalised in September 2011. One in-house expert carried out the appraisal.