Tojo Una-Una District, Indonesia — December 2009 — Leadership and perceptions of other groups are key elements to community relations. In conflict-affected Poso, Muslim and Christian community leaders have united to ensure that youth of today become future leaders. Working with SERASI, several communities are implementing a program designed to ensure that youth are actively engaged in continuing to ease religious tension in the region and heal the wounds of past conflict.

With engagement and support of government officials and with financial backing of SERASI, Lembaga Penguatan Masyarakat Sipil (LPMS) initiated a youth project built in the districts of Poso, Morowali, and Tojo Una-una. Years of conflict have had the effect of dividing communities in these areas along religious lines. LPMS, by building a program around tomorrow’s leaders, is striving to facilitate greater understanding among citizens, build stronger communities and better communication, and ultimately a lasting peace in Poso.

LPMS recruited 60 “Youth Ambassadors” representing both Muslims and Christians. For three days in November 2009, each of the ambassadors participated in a cross community exchange homestay, living in the home of a host family of a different faith in another village. During their stay participants were actively involved in the daily life of their host family, opening a channel of communication that prompted exchange of information and sharing of diverse perspectives on daily life. The opportunity was rare and unique: for years there has been no communication between some of these communities and many citizens regarded others of different faith with fear and contempt.

The youth ambassadors did more than share information with their host families and take part in their daily lives. By spending intensive time together, they actively broke down communication barriers and inaccurate and biased perceptions of groups. Such close engagement helped rectify misperceptions, negative prejudices and stereotypes, and “myths.” As one Christian participant—an elementary school teacher— remarked, “I want to share my experience living with my Muslim hosts with my students and neighbors and argue against biased information and issues that have strained our communities’ ties all this time.”

To help solidify the personal relationships formed during the program exchange, LPMS facilitated a Youth Jamboree for Peace for four days in December 2009. The Jamboree brought together one hundred youth participants, including the peace ambassadors who participated in the exchange program. It was the final step in building a sense of solidarity, understanding, and communication among youth. Participants were engaged in mostly outdoor activities and games in the event that took place in the Tojo Una-una district, as part of an outdoor camping festival.

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