It was a quiet morning in Yogyakarta when a diverse group of individuals arrived, each carrying stories, questions, and hopes. From August 23rd to 25th, 2024, they gathered for the Training of Facilitators under the Trustbuilding Program (ToF TBP)—three days designed not just to build skills, but to build trust across differences.
The opening was heartfelt. Miftahul Huda, the TBP Manager, welcomed participants with a reminder: the program was rooted in 3Ns—Needs, Narratives, and Networking. It was also an invitation to retreat, to rest the soul, and to explore the connection between one’s inner and outer world.
The early sessions asked participants to be honest with themselves. What were they hoping for? Some came seeking insight, others healing. Many wanted to be better listeners, to understand diversity more deeply, or to find ways to transform personal pain into shared learning. There was a collective longing to be present, open, and real.
The days that followed unfolded as a journey.
There were moments of joy—like the Friends for Life game that broke down walls through laughter. And there were moments of vulnerability—during sessions like Healing Historical Wounds and Honest Conversations, where silence was just as powerful as speech. Participants reflected on power, identity, and how dominance and marginalization shape our relationships.
Each day began with Quiet Time, an intentional space to listen inwardly. These moments grounded the group, enabling deeper engagement. Discussions on authentic leadership, group dynamics, and collaborative action encouraged participants to see themselves as peacebuilders in their own contexts.
By the third day, the energy had shifted. Trust had grown roots. Participants were no longer strangers; they were collaborators. Grouped according to shared focus areas—interfaith dialogue, education, women and youth empowerment—they began crafting ideas for joint action.
Plans emerged: a six-month social media campaign, interfaith prayer gatherings, peace literacy programs for youth, and collective storytelling. There was talk of shared resources, of continuing the conversations through monthly check-ins and a commitment to mutual support.
The final moments of the gathering were tender. Through letter writing and a closing appreciation circle, participants acknowledged how much they had grown. They spoke of new friendships, of unlearning prejudice, of finding the courage to be open. There was laughter, some tears, and a sense that something real had begun.
In the words of one participant:
“The road to peace is long, but I’m grateful to know we are not walking it alone.”
Writer : Hayati
Editor: Siti Zaetun