The kids in Parado Village, Bima, Ida (blue hijab) and Hiida (red hijab) after Power of Goodness story session
In June 2024, Friends Peace Teams Asia West Pacific encouraged us to join the Regional Peace Training at Rumah Damai, Pati, Central Java, as a facilitator. I felt very special, not only because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but also because I saw myself as a grown young person. I came to Pati as a participant in 2019. I keep practicing and motivate myself to stay in this circle as much as possible and now I am still in it.
The experiences and interaction with people of diverse backgrounds widen my understanding of justice and peace. For two weeks, I was in the midst of a diverse global community, hearing stories from people with different backgrounds, languages, and work focuses. It was a learning journey that deepened my understanding of the dynamics of peace and justice in various contexts.
The participants came from various countries and had diverse concerns, including environmental and climate justice, interfaith work, early childhood education, student movements and literacy communities. There were housewives, ordinary citizens and social workers who brought unique perspectives on how justice and peace can be realized in everyday life. Each shared story enriched my insight and inspired me to carry out my role in my community.
One of the most memorable moments was the post-program activity where we made a trip to Solo. There we visited the Bocah Becik Library and had conversation with children about their activities learning Al Qur’an and reading a lot of books.
The next day, we attended the Power of Goodness activity with teenagers at the Ganesha Solo library. In this session, we shared stories and reflected together on how to oppose violence in public spaces. One of the stories we read was “Sacks of Potatoes”, which invites us to understand the burdens we carry in life and how we can let go of them. This experience was very moving, because the participants, including children, were able to share personal stories comfortably and sincerely.
I also had the opportunity to have a deeper conversation with Ratih, the Peace Library Coordinator. Ratih is an old friend whom I first met at the 2019 International Peace Training in Peace Place. Since then, we have continued to communicate, supporting each other in activities that focus on the culture of justice and peace. In our conversation, I shared my desire to have a comfortable space for children in my hometown in Bima, where they can play, learn, and find joy in reading.
Kids Journalling after reading the books
Ratih responded with great support. She offered a collection of books from Friends Peace Teams and Litara. This really touched my heart. The books were relevant and interesting for children, something not commonly available in my neighborhood. I read the books enthusiastically, finding new inspiration to introduce relevant and educational stories to children in my community.
My mentors, Eko Prasetyo and Daeng Ahmad, also supported me and gave me their book collections. When I returned to Bima, I immediately started reading activities with the children. I arranged a schedule with a local preschool to read stories to the children every Monday morning.
We also arranged for kids to come to do Read Aloud on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays afternoons. The kids are very happy and enjoy the reading.
I realize now that the journey toward peace and justice isn’t always about big issues or high-level policies. Sometimes, it starts with small steps in our own communities – reading stories to children, providing safe spaces for play and learning, and listening to and understanding their needs.
Through my interactions with children in Bima, I saw how books can be fun. Children who were initially not interested in reading began to show curiosity and joy when holding a book.
They not only heard stories, but also learned about values such as courage, honesty, and empathy that were inspired in the stories. I believe that simple activities like this can be part of a larger effort to build a more just, peaceful, and supportive society. I believe that a small step can impact a big change. Peace is a process that starts from the heart, then spreads to society and the world.
The support I received from Friends Peace Teams, Kins, Petrus, Nanik, Ratih, Eko Prasetyo, Daeng Ahmad, and friends showed that peace and justice work requires synergy between individuals, communities, and organizations.
I am grateful to have been part of this journey, meeting extraordinary people who inspire me to continue practice for justice and peace. I hope that I can carry on this spirit and plant the seeds of peace that will grow for a long time.
Pitcure together in Donggo Kalla Village – Photo taken by Jumadil Aziz