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Pamona, Indonesia — December 2, 2009 — Chika Tungkaran’s eyes welled up with tears when she recalled the events of four years ago. In May 2005, two bombs planted by extremist religious groups exploded in the quaint town of Tentena on the north bank of Lake Poso, Central Sulawesi, destroying the crowded local market, and killing Tungkaran’s father along with 25 others. The violent event that took her father’s life left an indelible mark on 16-year-old Tungkaran.

Tungkaran is not alone. The toll of the past Poso conflict is 25,000 displaced and over 1,000 killed. Ten years after the formal signature of the Malino peace agreement, there is still a need to sustain peace and accelerate the reintegration process between communities.

One of the best ways to do this is to increase self esteem in youth, recognize their role in maintaining peace, and help build more open channels of communication between Muslim and Christian citizens. In Pamona sub-district, two organizations, Lembaga Budaya Adat Tana-Poso (LEMBATA) in coordination with Himpunan Pemuda Al Khairat Poso, supported by the three-year USAID-funded SERASI, implemented by International Relief & Development, aim to do just that by organizing Pamona Idol 2009, a talent competition for local youth including singing, poetry, and dancing.

Pamona Idol combined a youth talent show with initiatives to promote collaboration and friendship among contestants while advocating peace between communities. Reaching out to 19 Christian and Muslim youth groups in Poso and Tentena, the organizers held auditions with more than 250 youth. Forty-two finalists advanced to the final competition, including Tungkaran. Contestants spent three days in a retreat prior to the competition, where youth from different hometowns and religions were paired up, and together developed a new performance for Idol. There were plenty of opportunities for finalists to get closely acquainted, chipping away at ingrained prejudices against those of a different faith.

“After my father died, I felt deep hatred towards all Muslims whom I viewed as violent people but soon after spending time with other Muslim finalists, I realized I was wrong. I met so many wonderful Muslims and became good friends with most of them, especially my singing partner, Nur Wachidah, who, apart from being a good Muslim, is also very friendly and helpful during the training.”

Unfortunately, Tungkaran and Nur Wachidah did not make it to the grand final. Although disappointed, Tungkaran expressed her excitement at having found a new friend in Nur. “She and I are now best friends and we tell each other our secrets and stories. I can’t tell you how happy and excited I am to have been part of this great talent show and celebration of interfaith togetherness, where I gained valuable experiences and new Muslim friends that I never thought possible.”