INDONESIAInterfaith Collaboration Manado (North Sulawesi province) is a very special area in Indonesia. First, geographically, conflict areas surround it. Domestically, there are Ambon (Maluku) and Temate (North Maluku) in the east and Poso (Central Sulawesi) in the south, which have been the locations of recurring clashes between Muslims and Christians. Internationally, there is the Moro (Muslim) separatist movement in Mindanao (Philippines) at the northern border, which is suspected as one the sources of arm supplies and explosives used in some of the armed conflicts in Indonesia. The transport of those supplies, sadly, was suspected through the North Sulawesi Province. Second, demographically, it is populated by a Christian majority (85%) in a country with the largest Muslim population in the world (87% of the population) and therefore very vulnerable to the supposedly religion-based conflict. Until now, however, Manado and North Sulawesi are relatively untouched by the conflicts. This should be maintained and YMCA of Manado should actively involve in maintaining the community integrity and keeping the peace. YMCA of Manado has come to realize that maintaining integrity of the community components is important to prevent the possibility of conflicts occurring in the area. We also believe that interaction is important because through dialogues and doing activities together people from different faith will come to realize the common values shared by all human beings. We believe it is not only important to recognize and acknowledge the differences among religions but also to understand the common values unifying all religions such as love and passion for other human being which in turn will promote the quality of interaction among people regardless of their religious beliefs. Therefore, the YMCA of Manado has initiated an interfaith collaboration program, actively joined by Muslim youth groups in the area, with activities such as: • Organizing regular dialogues on various issues This activity provides opportunity for people from different faiths to get better understanding of the others. This is also a forum for exchange of information and early detection of issues that have the potential to develop into conflict. Some of the activities in this category are: the monthly dialogues with venues provided by YMCA of Manado and interactive dialogue in local Television. • Conduct of social activities together This activity has shown to the public that people with different faiths could, in fact, set aside their differences and work together. In this activity, people with different beliefs participated and had opportunities to directly interact and to know each other. Activities include: social community works in the neighbourhoods, recreational sports events such as volleyball or soccer game for urban youth, visit and donation of stationeries to elementary schools and orphanages managed by various religious groups, and conduct of public education on various topics such as health, sanitary, and voter education for the coming election. Some of the qualitative outcomes of the program are better understanding and knowledge of other religions in the community, increasing tolerance and respect to people of different faiths in the community, which in turn have provided improved integrity in the community. This is the situation so far and we are hoping that peaceful co-existence will remain and move forward for the better. For detailed information on the program please contact: Mr. Agustinus Harahap |
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