Launch Event at Bandung Peace Week

On September 25th, Creators of Peace (CoP) Indonesia was officially launched during the Bandung Peace Week. Jean Brown, President of Creators of Peace International, shared a powerful message:

“Women of the world, we each have a choice, to live on the side of peace and justice or to continue to contribute to their destruction. We are all invited to ‘be the peace.’
This launch takes place in the context of the most terrible conflicts, displacements, homelessness, and hunger. At its core, these challenges stem from disturbed relationships—our relationships with spiritual truth, each other, nature, and our unhealed personal and national histories of hurt and humiliation. Fear, prejudice, selfishness, and greed further contaminate these bonds.
As women, the relational is so important to us.”

October Workshop in Bandung: Bridging Differences through Dialogue

Following the launch, a CoP workshop was held in October in Bandung, West Java. The event brought together ten participants, including teachers, university students, women activists, and homemakers, who engaged in profound reflections and discussions. Facilitators guided participants in exploring peace and healing while building bridges across differences.

This workshop was led by three facilitators: Nenden, Etun and Anisa. Pipit, a CoP circle alumna from many years ago, contributed as a co-facilitator. The other facilitators had previously attended an intensive three-day training in Melbourne in June, as part of an Indonesia-Australia cultural exchange. This training provided them with the essential skills to lead peacebuilding circles and facilitate meaningful dialogue, particularly among women.

In addition to theoretical learning, the facilitators gained practical experience through micro-teaching sessions, honing their abilities in deep listening, fostering trust, and guiding groups through challenging conversations.

Upcoming Sessions

Building on this momentum, the next CoP sessions are scheduled for December and early next year in Jakarta, continuing the mission to inspire and empower women to be creators of peace.

Testimonial: A Journey Towards Inner Transformation

One of the workshop participants, Dewi, a lecturer and homemaker, shared her experience:
“What hinders and obstructs me in the process of transformation or reconciliation is excessive fear. The fear of truly voicing my values, of having the will, and of not being accepted, leads me to stay silent and avoid situations.
My step to improve this is to strive to be honest about everything, especially in listening to my inner voice, guided by love, sincerity, and care. If a challenge arises, I will take a moment of silence or practice pausing to connect with myself and find the confidence to face the challenging path ahead. The support I need is a support group and regular psychoeducation.”

Creators of Peace Indonesia continues to inspire women to take courageous steps toward transformation and reconciliation, fostering peace within and around them.

Writer: Zohra & Siti Zaetun