Speak Up Project: Conversation for Peace

24 May - 12 July 2025 | IofC Indonesia

From May to July 2025, IofC Indonesia ran a trustbuilding initiative called the Speak Up Project: Conversation for Peace. This program brought togather young leaders to create a safe space for honest dialogue, listening, and learning with a shared goal of building a world free from hate, fear, and greed. 

Using the "Advocating for a New Story of Our Shared Humanity" module by Creators of Peace, the project helped participants reflect on personal and social change through storytelling and deep conversations. 

Two Circles, One Message

• Online Circle: Indonesia-Philippines

Participants from IofC Indonesia and Philippines met virtually over five sessions. 

"We discovered  that we share many challanges - corruption, injustice, and broke trust between religion groups."

"The conversations were powerful and healing. They reminded us that despite our differences, we face similiar struggles and hopes for a just world."

Offline Circle: Bandung, West Java

At IofC Indonesia's newly launched Bandung center, young people meet in person every Saturday. After completing the Five-session module, they celebrated their journey through twi community-based events: 

Botram for Peace - A shared traditional meal served on banana leaves, where participants invited guests to reflect on peace and belonging. 

Human Library - A public event where participants told personal stories of transformation invited guests to reflect on peace and belonging. 

Stories of Impact 

"That day, I foound the courage to share who I really am. I realized I must listen deply and become a safe space for others - free from judgement." - Joe

"The story of Letlapa and Jinn really touched me. It reminded me of the power of forgiveness,"  -Ibrahim

A Step Toward Peace

The Speak Up Project is more than just a dialogues series, its a movement to rewrite our shared story wuth empathy, courage, and hope. 

The second semester of this year, we wil engage more alumni of TBP Indonesia from 4 cities (Jakarta, Bandung and Makassar) into the same project to strengthen the network of Trust as well as to keep inspired and involved as the community of practice on trustbuilding for peace to ensure the freedom of religion and beliefs in Indonesia. 

Writer: Miftahul Huda, Facilitator and Project Leader