My name is Muhammad Altof Bastman, often called Altof or Tois. I’m 23 years old. My parents come from different ethnic backgrounds – my mother is Javanese and my father is from the Bima tribe in West Nusa Tenggara. They met and married in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, where I was born and raised.
Flores is a place rich in natural beauty – lush forests, high mountains, green rice fields, and stunning beaches. My childhood was filled with outdoor activities: catching fish, playing soccer by the sea, and watching sunsets. It was a joyful and nature-filled upbringing.
I grew up in a pluralistic environment, surrounded by friends of various faiths and backgrounds. From a young age, I was taught to respect and value differences. This environment shaped my belief that a harmonious and just society can only be built through mutual understanding and acceptance. As I often say, “Differences are like a rainbow – it is beautiful because of its many colors.”
I currently live in Yogyakarta, studying Islamic Creed and Philosophy at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN). In class, we explore the ideas of thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Ibn Sina, and Al-Ghazali. One particularly inspiring figure we study is Asghar Ali Engineer, (yep, that’s really his name) a revolutionary Indian thinker known for his concept of Liberation Theology. His focus is on making theology more grounded and useful for humanity, especially the oppressed. This is something I find aligned with the vision of Friends Peace Teams: building justice, peace, and protecting the vulnerable from oppression and corruption.
Outside of academics, I’m active in the Islamic Student Association (HMI), interfaith initiatives, and community empowerment projects. Together with fellow members, we hold discussions, book reviews, and conduct outreach activities that address real societal needs. Our goal is to be useful to society and grow as individuals who contribute positively to both people and nature.
Attending the Alternatives to Violence Project basic training in Pati was a turning point for me. It awakened my awareness of the real possibility of peace and justice. I’ve since introduced the values of peace to friends in my organization, on campus, and within my family. I shared what I learned from the training and its personal impact. Gradually, I integrated the PoG (Power of Goodness) mini-workshops into our organizational programs.
With support from my peers, we succeeded in incorporating PoG into our cadre training curriculum at the Faculty of Ushuluddin, HMI at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and these peace-building activities have become a regular part of our internal development, receiving strong support from members. We’re committed to cultivating a culture of peace in Yogyakarta because we believe it’s vital to achieving a fair and harmonious society.
My journey – from my family roots, to the friendships in Yogyakarta, and my involvement with Friends Peace Teams – has given my life deep meaning and hope for the future. I’ve learned the value of meaningful relationships and the importance of contributing to a just and peaceful world.
What makes me feel like a true friend of Friends Peace Teams is the inclusive, supportive environment. Here, I feel seen, valued, and encouraged. The people I’ve met have helped me grow in confidence and feel like part of a second family – always there to guide, listen, and support. This community is a powerful space where I continue learning to live out the values of peace and justice.
June 2025
Leading a blanket game light and lively
Doing core self drawing with some university students in Jogjakarta