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Four Indonesian youth sit in front of a stone statue surrounded by lush greenery, talking
Four Indonesian youth sit in front of a stone statue surrounded by lush greenery, talking

Indonesia

Countering religious extremism and radicalisation by building trust between Christian and Muslim youth. 

Indonesia

Indonesia faces increased intolerance and divides among people of different religions and ethnicities and the threat of violent extremism. The trustbuilding work in Indonesia aims to inspire mutual trust and understanding to increase social cohesion and avoid radicalisation. 

Why is trust needed? 

Indonesia has been struggling with religious extremism for decades. An extreme form of intolerance has been seen in recent terrorist attacks where sympathisers of ISIS have carried out incidents. Around 700 Indonesians have joined ISIS in Syria, some of whom have returned to Indonesia. 

Despite these threats, Indonesian democracy has made impressive progress, which must be maintained toward its national election in 2024. This makes it a strategically relevant moment to put extra energy into working with young people and counter the trend of increased intolerance and extremism. 

How is trust built?

Indonesian male smiles at the camera and gives a thumbs up
Mobilising young leaders

The project brings together youth interfaith communities. Through workshops and trustbuilding camps, young people get inspired to overcome their differences which empowers them to advocate for positive change. 

Developing tools for trustbuilding

Custom-designed tools, such as board games, are developed to integrate trustbuilding principles in playful ways to build trustful connections.

Impact to date

Interfaith trustbuilding camps have been held in different places and are a huge success. Participants are getting to know people of different religions and are growing their understanding of each other's cultures and customs while getting to know themselves deeper. 

'I have gained many things from attending the Trustbuilding Camp. I had never made friends or even met people from other religions before, especially Muslims.'
~ Participant Trustbuilding Camp   

'After participating in the Trustbuilding Camp, I finally feel free from the fear caused by the negative stigma I held toward people different from me in religion, tribe, and culture.'
~ Participant Trustbuilding Camp

3,293

direct beneficiaries 

515

people trained

80

trustbuilding events

Learn more about Trustbuilding in Indonesia

Faza Rahim Kesuma Putri  
Digital Content Designer   

Hayati Syafii 
Communications Officer  

Miftahul Huda  
Project Manager   

Nenden Vinna Mutiara Ulfa 
Project Officer   

Rinni Meir  
Monitoring & Evaluation   

Ismi Danty  
Finance Officer   

Samrotul Mufidah

Ferry Pardosi  
Trainer and administration 

Neas Wanimbo  
Facilitator 

Oji Fahruroji  
Facilitator