The objective of this Working Paper is to share lessons learned during preparation for implementation of the USAID-MADANI Civil Society Support Initiative program. The focus is on collaborative governance among civil society organizations and local governments in Indonesia, specifically aimed at enhancing government accountability and responsiveness. It focuses on understanding key barriers, learning points, and experiences based on previous civil society empowerment and local governance programs at the subnational level in Indonesia. It also translates these findings into concrete recommendations to support MADANI and other civil society strengthening programs and activities.