Post Reformation, 13,524 Non-Violent Actions Have Been Conducted to Resolve Social Conflicts in Indonesia

Yogyakarta, 26th of November 2018—13,524 non-violent actions have been conducted in resolving social conflicts in Indonesia after the reformation. This shows that non-violent actions are essential in voicing the interests and problems within the Indonesian society. Within two decades after the reformation, Indonesia has experienced numerous dynamics in the process of democratic consolidation. This includes in the increase in the number of communal violence, vigilantism, intolerance, industrial and agrarian conflicts, hate spins and other forms of violence that may threaten the process of democratic consolidation of Indonesia. This matter motivated Diah Kusumaningrum, Novi Kurnia, Ayu Diah Rahmawati and associates to conduct a research project entitled ‘Nonviolence as Key to Democratic Consolidation in Indonesia’. In accordance to the title, the researchers emphasized non-violent elements and actions as important instruments in the process of democratic consolidation in Indonesia. “The structure of democracy should be equipped by civil cultures that are based on non-violent values in order for democracy to thrive,” as stated by Ayu Diasti as a representative of the research team. She stated that democracy is not about the absence of conflict, but on how actors within democracy can solve conflicts with non-violent methods.

According to Kompas, there are 13,524 non-violent actions that have been conducted by various elements of the society in Indonesia. “This shows that non-violent actions have been a part in voicing complaints and interests of the Indonesian society regarding conflict socials after the reformation,” as Ayu has stated further. Furthermore, non-violent actions also have contributed to formal and institutional methods in the conduct of democracy.

 

This presentation was a part of Fisipol Research Days 2018 in the International Collaboration Grant category. This presentation was conducted in the Eastern Seminar Room of Fisipol UGM on Monday (26/11). Other research projects in this session included ‘‘Communication and Politics of Disaster in Indonesia: Analysis of the Multi-Layered Responses to Maritime Disasters in Semarang and Aceh’ by Phil Hermin, Indah Wahyuni and associates, ‘Understanding the Nature of Work in the Disruptive Technology Era: Research on Workers of On-Demand Transportation Sector in Indonesia’ by M. Falikul Isbah and associates, ‘Tradition and International Relations: Alternative Conflict Resolution through ‘Masyarakat Adat’ Initiative in the Border Dispute between Indonesia and Timor Leste’ by Muhadi Sugiono and associates and ‘Gendering ASEAN Economic Community: A Comparative Analysis on Policy Initiatives for Empowering the Tenun Communities’ by Longgina Novadona Bayo and associates.

 

Translated by : Ariq Dmitri Andrei