IofC Indonesia Weekly Update #12

Today, May 20, 2026, coincides with the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, and it marks the 14th anniversary of the first time I joined the Inner Growth Companionship Program. The program was organized by Nandor Lim and his team in Ciputat, South Jakarta, right on Eid al-Adha. While my family and the whole village celebrated Eid al-Adha, I took a different approach to the celebration. In the morning after the Eid prayer, I left for Ciputat. The streets were quiet, and I was the only passenger on the bus that made the eight-hour journey from Garut to Ciputat.

That day, I felt that the program I was about to join was important and would determine my future. It is true, all the sessions I attended during those three days changed my life significantly. This program not only gave me knowledge, but it also changed how I view life. Since then, I am convinced that the problems and wounds I experienced could be healed, and I could improve my life. Today, that thought is proven. At this point, I am grateful for all my life experiences, including the painful events and I have successfully overcome those wounds.

The long journey and the healing process have brought me to where I am today as a full-timer for IofC. Fortunately, I do not have the main responsibility to provide for my parents or siblings. Even though my parents and family do not fully understand what I do at IofC, or how important this is for my life, society, and the future of our descendants, they still try to support me. Amidst that confusion, they try to understand, even though every day my mother keeps asking me to become a Civil Servant.

The journey and reconciliation process with my family became an inner work that is important for me to do. This aims to maximize my service at IofC. I do not just talk about reconciliation and peace in the program, but I try to apply it in my personal life.

This month, MenTalk is back with its dynamics. This program provides space for men to connect with themselves and their wounds, so the spirit to change becomes stronger. Change in men will be a major force that must be started slowly to improve the situation. Considering the phenomenon of toxic masculinity, a patriarchal culture, and violence by men that are still prevalent, the presence of MenTalk is expected to encourage men to start talking about these issues. Together, they can move to find solutions through concrete actions, starting with changes in themselves and their families.

(Mental Talk Session 2: Financial Anxiety and Masculine Identity)

This month there is also movement from the Trustbuilding Program (TBP) which organized an event with the Ahmadiyya congregation in Bandung.

TBP has been facilitating Dialogue for Change in Bandung, bringing together members of the Sunni, Shia, and Ahmadiyya communities as part of its efforts to create safe and inclusive spaces for meaningful engagement. The initiative aims to foster empathy, mutual understanding, and a stronger sense of unity among diverse Muslim groups in pursuit of shared peace and social harmony. In carrying out this work, TBP collaborates closely with UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, strengthening academic and community-based approaches to dialogue and reconciliation.

(TBP Leading Interfaith Dialogue at Ahmadiyya Center Bandung)

For the past two weeks we have been hosting the Caux Scholars Program from IofC United States. We learned a lot, especially about how other countries have different approaches in implementing IofC values. Initially we were surprised, but eventually we understood that the difference is normal. We learned to appreciate this diversity from the participants and the program organizers.

(Inner Listening at Caux Scholars Program, Lembang – Bandung)

Two people from the IofC Indonesia team are also joining this program which will run until June 18. IofC Indonesia has the opportunity to explain what IofC is, and how we apply it in our personal lives and programs that impact society. This is an honor and a valuable opportunity because we are trusted to host an international program.

The School of Reconciliation (SR) classes always provide insights to the students. Actually, the facilitators also learn from the participants, which provides healing for ourselves. That is where the power of the learning process in the School of Reconciliation lies. When one person learns, the people closest around them will also experience healing. This aligns with the IofC slogan, "Change starts with me, engage others, and give hope for humanity". The impact is felt. The good news is, the classes in this semester will finish after July, and they will continue to the next stage. In July, we will also open new SR classes. I am sure many people are waiting for this moment. Hopefully the reach of the School of Reconciliation's impact can grow.

(Sekolah Rekonsiliasi – In-Person Class at Rumah Damai Indonesia)

We have been busy lately. Besides organizing programs, activating social media, and preparing outreach, we are also busy with coordination meetings. These meetings involve program coordinators, board members, and the AKASHA team. All of this helps in building teamwork. In August, two people from the executive team and one board member were invited by AKASHA to attend the National Consultation Meeting in Penang, Malaysia. This coordination meeting is important as a form of companionship between IofC Indonesia and AKASHA.

Previously, we announced that there are six delegates from Indonesia who will attend the Indo-Pacific Life Matters Course in Brisbane. It turns out the number increased by two more people: a board member and our friend from Papua. We are preparing for the departure by fundraising. We sell Brownies of Peace (BROWPEACE) and other merchandise. Hopefully this fundraising goes well.

(IofC Team Preparing for LMC in Brisbane, Australia)

Because we will sell brownies for the LMC departure fund, we had to test the recipe first and sell the results during the screening of the documentary Pesta Babi. This film tells the story of 60 years of exploitation in Papua by the government. Even though many parties were arrested and persecuted for watching this film, we gathered the courage to hold a screening at Rumah Damai. With a bit of worry about being persecuted, we still watched it. The film made us sad and angry, because it shows the realities regarding state governance. Please watch the film which is already available on YouTube.

After watching, we reflected, shared stories, and discussed concrete actions we can take to help our brothers and sisters in Papua.

(Film Screening of Pesta Babi & Browpeace Launch for LMC Fundraising)

Through this Weekly Update, I want to convey that in any difficult condition, only we can bring good change for this country. Although sometimes we feel a loss of hope because we do not have the power to change everything, we still hold one principle. We believe that the small changes we make from within will one day bring a broad impact. Maybe not today, but this is an investment for the future.

This will be the last Weekly Update that I (Nenden) will write. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all readers who have followed and supported these reflections. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Therefore, we thank all parties who continuously support us. God bless!

Writer : Nenden Prawira

Editor & Translator : Ari Budi S

Proofreader: Peter Heyes