Alternatives, under the CIDA funded “Supporting Peace in Papua” and the Strenthening Peace in Central Sulwaesi” projects, has been undertaking initiatives that seek to transform conflicts in the eastern Indonesia. After a series of missions to Indonesia between 1999 and 2001, Alternatives began working, with CIDA support, intervening alongside key elements of Papuan society to create new economic opportunities for indigenous groups, support peaceful dialogue around the Special Autonomy issue and build the capacity of civil society. The success of this work is the result of the networks Alternatives has established and selecting strategic points at which to intervene with our partners to promote multi-sectoral dialogues. A very important aspect of this work has been to engage with the Indonesian ’establishment’ and security forces at the appropriate level to encourage peaceful exchanges.
The insight gained into conflict across Indonesia has positioned Alternatives well to cooperate with groups addressing the crosscutting issues behind Indonesia’s widespread internal conflict. The success of this work is the result of the networks Alternatives has established and selecting strategic points at which to intervene with our partners to promote multi-sectoral dialogues. Another important aspect of this work has been to engage with the Indonesian establishment and security forces at the appropriate level to encourage peaceful exchanges.
The Alternatives programme is discussed and coordinated with major Indonesian NGOs to ensure collaboration and synergy wherever possible, and make maximum use of other Canadian and Indonesian civil society interventions. In this respect we are in ongoing contact with INSIST (civil society strengthening) LATIN (community forestry), Yayasan FIELD (sustainable agriculture), Perampuan Solidaritus (gender), Yayasan Bina Desa (land tenure reform) and PAKTA Foundation (IT and NGO capacity building).
