Map of the Soul: A Journey of Healing and Connection at Family Camp #3

The Family Camp is an annual program of Initiatives of Change (IofC) Indonesia, which is usually organized at the end of the year. This year we arranged for the event to take place at the start of 2026 with the theme: "Map of the Soul: Healing the Past for the Future." We wanted the third Family Camp to be a safe harbor for inner reflection and healing wounds of the past. The event was made even more special by the presence of the AKASHA team from Malaysia, who joined not just as participants but as collaborators for several sessions with their unique perspectives.

There were 39 participants for Family Camp 3 from various cities across the archipelago, including Sidoarjo, Garut, Madura, and Jakarta. Most of the participants were students in the Sekolah Rekonsiliasi program, while others were long-time friends of IofC Indonesia. This was also the first IofC event for several participants, and we were extremely grateful that so many people opened their hearts to join this event.

Additionally, we were grateful to receive so much help from the IofC Indonesia volunteer team. Ahmad Wildansyah brought his positive and powerful energy as the Master of Ceremony throughout the event. Iim Nisak and Sukma Prentha led some of the sharing session groups with their own experience from Sekolah Rekonsiliasi (SR). Karen Hoo, Riri Lestari, and Ari Budi helped to document the entire event with their ever-present camera gaze. Lastly, the rest of the IofC team of Nenden Prawira, Miftahul Huda, Rinni Meir, Anisa Ladhuny, Anisa Eka (Ninis), M. Raffi Sidqi Fauzan, Hayati Syafii and Samrotul Mufidah (Pipit) ensured that the event was smooth and memorable for all of the participants.

A Journey of Simplicity and Song

The experience began before we even arrived at the venue. Departing very early in the morning, the IofC Indonesia team traveled using Angkot (local public transportation). This choice was intentional to offer the AKASHA team an authentic local experience. The one-hour journey was filled with excitement, laughter, and conversations that set the tone for the days ahead.

Upon arrival, under the guidance of Teacher Nandor, the group practiced two IofC songs, "Images" and for some, the rigorous singing standards brought back nostalgic memories of internship programs in India, reminding us of the discipline required to create harmony.

The combined AKASHA and IofC Indonesia team sang the song “Images” to open the family camp and "Go Go with the Answer" to close the event. Each of these songs carry deep meaning in their lyrics.

Nourishing Body and Spirit

Family Camp always emphasizes teamwork and service. We created the "Fun Cooking" session, where committees and participants worked side-by-side to prepare meals for 40 people. The participants were grouped into several cooking teams. Each team was responsible for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a focus on a vegetarian menu.

This wasn't just about food; it was about bonding, cooperation, and earnestness, as cooking isn't easy. Cooking and serving others became a meditation in itself.

(Participants observing and choosing fresh vegetables together with their cooking groups)

As is customary in any IofC events, Nenden and Meir led the regular quiet times and sharing sessions every morning. Many of the participants carried their own burdens to the event. Like autumn leaves, they slowly shed these burdens with each quiet time and sharing session.

Exploring the Maps of the Soul

The core of Family Camp lay in its deep sessions. Beyond the traditional Quiet Time (Inner Listening) and Family Group sharing, participants dived into:

• The Circle of Trust by the AKASHA team: Led by Teacher Nandor, this session explored how love and basic needs must be fulfilled within the family (and the self) first. The message was clear: if we do not find these needs at home, we will endlessly seek them outside, and often in vain. Returning to our families is difficult inner work, but it is the only path. 
• Trustbuilding & Healing from TBP Indonesia: Ninis and Huda facilitated the "Healing Historical Wounds" sessions. In this session, participants need to trace meaningful events in Indonesia and Malaysia that impact their lives. We got to hear many amazing and hidden stories that often get untold or are too taboo to tell.
• The Meaning of Peace from CoP: Hayati and Anisa from CoP invited participants to share what they think builds and destroys peace. Even though peace is usually something very political; this session sparks touching and personal stories. Far from the business of the state, peace is very personal, and peace in society is built on the peacefulness of the individual.
• Closing Reflection: The event concluded with an emotional session led by Teacher Weny. Teacher Weny's session called on everyone to appreciate each story shared. Participants were called to personally express their gratitude to anyone they think impacted their lives during the event. The session left a lasting impact on everyone present.

Voices from the Camp (Testimonies)

The true measure of Family Camp is found in the hearts of those who participated. Here are some reflections from this year’s attendees:

Berlin

"Every time I attend an event organized by IofC, I never feel worried. Somehow, I always meet like-minded people, share the same values, and do not judge. I feel I can be safer and more honest, and this Family Camp was no exception.

I gained several takeaways: 1. The material regarding the circle of strangers, acquaintances, and family really strengthened me in facing my own internal confusion. I realized that I haven't been able to take care of myself yet; I was frustrated with people who arbitrarily controlled others' lives at work, making it difficult for me to care for myself. 2. While playing Pest Attack, I realized I truly need people who are willing to cooperate and strategize to build something good, even though it isn't easy... It’s about time everyone realized that besides improving ourselves, we will naturally bring that goodness out."

Iim Nisak

"At Family Camp, I became increasingly aware of the masks I wear and became braver in taking them off to fully be myself. I learned that everyone has their own color in their journey, and they look beautiful. The same goes for me. I am beautiful enough with the colors I have."

Ardo

"I am used to standing as the pillar of the family, working, making decisions, and ensuring everything runs well. Through these self-reflection activities, I realized that I am rarely present for myself. I forgot that I am also an individual, a husband, a father, and a son.

This experience did not change my life instantly, but it gave me a new perspective that a strong family is built on simple communication, consistency, and a commitment that is always maintained."

Jelita

"This Family Camp was very memorable for me. It was not just a vacation, but a space to pause from the routine and truly be present as a family. Through every session, I learned again to listen without interrupting, to share without being judged, and to reflect. We went home not just with memories, but with a warm and calmer heart. Oh yeah, I just realized there are no photos of my husband and child on my phone. Because every moment was so engrossing."

Yoshua Tarigan

"I learned a lot, and everything was new and foreign because, for the first time, I could dare to take a step that might determine my future. One of them was the Quiet Time method, which is capable of facilitating a transition from 'doing' to 'being'. This is a small exercise for 'ego death' every day."

Sukma Prentha

"For 3 days, it was like I was sailing the ocean of my soul to a deeper point. After diving deeper into my soul, I clearly saw where the broken holes were, and that I must heal, so that I can rebuild my soul with love, trust, and knowledge as the pillars that support it."

Until We Meet Again

By the end of the event, we see heaviness slowly turn to relaxation, and desperation transforms into hopefulness. Before parting ways, the group enjoyed documentation screenings by Riri and Ari, reminiscing about what happened in the past three days.

Before checking out, the participants tasted the incomparable Bandung-style Bakso (meatballs). The team bid a bittersweet farewell to the AKASHA Team, escorting them to their hotel before their return to Malaysia.

Support Our Mission

During the camp, we launched a new product alongside our IofC card games. For those interested in our merchandise, please contact +6281224740737. This will surely help us do this kind of life work and touch even more souls in Indonesia.

Thank you to everyone who made "Maps of the Soul" a reality.

Salam Damai!

Writer : Ari Budi Santosa

Proofreader : Peter Heyes