Trustbuilding: Global Stories of Transformation and Healing
These stories illustrate the deeper purpose of the Trustbuilding Program: to break the cycle of inherited mistrust, humanize former adversaries, and help individuals write new stories grounded in empathy, dignity, and shared humanity.
Finding inner peace and understanding through Trustbuilding
Riri Lestari, IofC Indonesia
Riri, a recent graduate in Religious Studies from the State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, embarked on a transformative journey when she joined the Trustbuilding Program (TBP) in 2022. While interfaith dialogue was not new to her, TBP offered a fresh perspective - one that went beyond discussions and into personal reflection, empathy, and healing.
One of the most impactful aspects of TBP for Riri was the practice of Quiet Time. This session allowed her to pause, reflect on her thoughts and emotions, and process the challenges she faced, particularly in her relationships with colleagues. Through this, she discovered a newfound sense of inner peace and a deeper understanding of herself.
TBP taught Riri how to create safe spaces for open and honest conversations about religious and cultural differences - topics often linked to conflict. Before joining the program, Riri had already engaged with interfaith communities, but TBP helped her realize that young people need spaces where they can explore and define their identities, especially in relation to faith.
"I was raised in a conservative Muslim family, where forming relationships with people of different religions seemed impossible," Riri reflects. "The TBP taught me the power of empathy and deep listening, particularly when engaging with non-dominant religious communities such as Ahmadiyah, Shiah, and various Christian denominations. Before, I was unaware of their experiences, but now I understand that I, too, have my own internal struggles—within my family and within myself."
One of the most profound moments for Riri came during the Healing Historical Wounds session. She realized that, just like society carries wounds from its past, she too had personal wounds to confront. "I used to believe I wasn’t good enough or worthy - coming from a broken family, struggling as a Gen Z, and navigating my identity as a Muslim woman. In many ways, I belong to a dominant group, yet I have also felt the weight of being in a non-dominant position."
Through the TBP, Riri has not only deepened her understanding of interfaith dialogue but has also undergone a personal transformation. She has learned to embrace her struggles, extend empathy to others, and find healing within herself. Now, she hopes to continue building safe spaces where young people, like herself, can engage in meaningful conversations, build bridges across differences, and grow into their true selves.