Maluku, Indonesia - December 2009 — The situation in Maluku and North Maluku has stabilized and communities in these provinces have lived in peace for the past few years. However, as in all communities affected by past conflict, it’s essential that local inhabitants do not become complacent and remain vigilant to prevent localized disputes from spiraling into larger issues. Communication and dialogue among different religious and social groups and across geographic locations must continue in order to encourage productive interaction between communities and increase appreciation for the value of diversity and pluralism.

With the goal of restoring, strengthening, and establishing sustainable communication channels and expanding appreciation of pluralism, the USAID funded SERASI program recently expanded to Maluku and North Maluku. The Maluku program was launched in Ambon on December 15, followed by the program launch for North Maluku on December 17, in Ternate. “While local and traditional law and order exist, and community leaders are well respected in Malukan society, a collaborative effort by all parties towards sustaining peace and stability is key,” said James Grall, SERASI Chief of Party during the Ambon program launch.

SERASI will support former conflict-affected communities in Maluku and North Maluku, working with and through community organizations at the grassroots level and up to regional government and government leaders. At the same time, SERASI works horizontally, across ethnic and religious groups, across marginalized groups, including youth and women, and across geographic boundaries. SERASI will focus programmatic activities on four key thematic areas intended to address issues identified as root causes for potential conflicts. These four programmatic themes are: inter-religious, inter-ethnic, and other inter-group relations; livelihoods and associated socio economic equalities; reconstruction of social capital; and developing new skills to mitigate community level disputes.

Attended by local government representatives, including the Head of BAPPEDA in Ambon, First Assistant to the North Maluku Governor, representatives of civil society organizations, and community members, both launching events included presentations by grantees of their respective programs, followed by a signing ceremony of grant agreements with SERASI. In Ambon, four grants were signed worth approximately USD 400,000, while nine grants worth approximately USD 800,000 were signed during the launch in Ternate.

SERASI is a three-year USAID funded project focused on creating stable, democratic communities. It is implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD).