Good News from Indonesia
For the past year, Indonesia has had zero attacks or incidents related to violent extremism and terrorism. Since 2023, the international community has regarded Indonesia as a country least impacted by terrorism. This was only possible through collaborative efforts between government agencies working on this issue and civil society organisations (CSOs).
PeaceGen is one of the contributing CSOs in Indonesia. For the past 17 years, we have been dedicated to developing new and creative approaches to peacebuilding and preventing violent extremism (PVE).
This year, we’re honoured to be awarded a Golden Coin and a back-to-back National Action Plan for Violent Extremism Countermeasures (RAN PE) Award from the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT RI).
However, we face a pressing issue: the lack of meaningful interactions between various communities across Indonesia. A recent survey by LSI revealed that only 15% of Indonesians have meaningful contact with individuals from different religious and cultural backgrounds. As per Contact Theory, this lack of interaction can fuel prejudice, conflict, and violence.
Social cohesion and social integration in Indonesia have been challenged by reintegrating 652 returnees from conflict-affected areas, such as Syria, into several communities in Indonesia. There are still 639 Indonesian citizens involved as foreign terrorist fighters who have not been repatriated (Sugiyono et al., 2022).
In this matter, we must ensure that our society is well prepared to undertake the reintegration process that will break prejudices, rebuild trust, and strengthen social cohesion.
Baca juga: SHIFT: Intergenerational Collaboration to Enhance Freedom of Religion and Belief
What kind of approach can we collectively take?
Through our signature Breaking Down the Wall program, we have best practices for bridging two diverse communities. This program offers a way to create meaningful interactions and experience peace education through creative media.
As one of the featured Indonesian organisations by the Singaporean-based Asian Community Fund (ACF), we call on you to participate in our collaborative efforts through the ACF Impact Fund.
Let’s bridge the gap and join our support system!
Baca juga: Training for Youth - SHIFT Create and Maintain Interfaith Harmony
Visit our website at peacegen.id to learn more about how you can contribute to world peace.
