What We Do

Indonesia

Rethinking Peace and Building It Together

With the aim of supporting individuals imprisoned for their involvement in violent extremism to pursue peaceful lives, we provide rehabilitation and social reintegration support, while also promoting reconciliation with local communities and preventing cycles of violence.

Although Indonesia has not experienced a major terrorist attack since 2023, challenges related to violent extremism and the prevention of future violence remain. These include risks associated with groups linked to ISIS, such as splinter factions of Jemaah Islamiyah (which announced its dissolution in June 2024), as well as groups such as Jamaah Ansharut Daulah. While large-scale law enforcement operations were carried out throughout the late 2010s, opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration within prisons have often remained limited, leaving some individuals to complete their sentences without sufficient support to disengage from extremist beliefs and rebuild their lives.

At the same time, vulnerable young people remain at risk of being exposed to narratives that promote hatred and violence. There have been cases where messages exploiting social grievances and extremist content have spread through certain online platforms and communities, contributing to the vulnerability of young people to radicalization. In response, relevant government agencies have introduced regulatory and preventive measures; however, there have been cases where such approaches have instead caused resentment among young people.

Against this backdrop, in Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia’s countries that continues to face challenges related to violent extremism, we implement unique initiatives drawing on our experience and expertise in rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Our Work in Indonesia

We provide rehabilitation and social reintegration support to individuals formerly associated with so-called violent extremist organizations, such as Jemaah Islamiyah and Jemaah Ansharut Daulah, who have served prison sentences in relation to terrorism-related offenses. We also work to promote reconciliation with local communities, prevent further radicalization, and strengthen community-based support systems.

1. Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Support

We provide support to individuals in prison who were formerly associated with so-called violent extremist organizations at the maximum-security prison on Nusakambangan Island in Central Java, widely known as Indonesia’s “prison island.” In particular, former senior members and individuals involved in planning suicide bombings are separated from the general prison population and placed under strict security measures. However, such conditions can often deepen feelings of distrust and resentment toward the state and society, making it more difficult for individuals to develop the motivation and capacity needed for social reintegration.

Drawing on our experience in Somalia and Yemen, we provide tailored support to these individuals. In Indonesia, individuals often become involved with so-called violent extremist organizations primarily due to religious or ideological motivations, rather than economic hardship or coercion. For this reason, we place particular emphasis on dialogue-based approaches, including counseling, religious dialogue sessions, and reintegration preparation session

Through dialogue, we seek to understand their beliefs and perspectives while encouraging critical reflection on whether violence is truly the most effective means of achieving their goals. As these individuals have firsthand experience with involvement in violent extremism and imprisonment, we believe it is essential to work alongside them to explore pathways through which they can contribute to society through non-violent means.

2. Promoting Reconciliation and Community-Based Prevention of Radicalization

In order for former inmates to successfully reintegrate into society and live as members of their communities without becoming re-radicalized, the understanding and support of local communities are essential. We create opportunities for dialogue between former inmates and community members to foster mutual understanding and reconciliation, while also working with government authorities and local communities to conduct awareness-raising activities aimed at preventing youth radicalization.

3. Strengthening Local Support Systems

We provide training for prison officers and probation officers who support the reintegration of inmates, focusing on needs assessment, counseling techniques, and relationship-building skills. In addition, we support the development of infrastructure, including the establishment of counseling rooms within prisons and the renovation of training centers used by inmates, prison officers, and probation officers, with the aim of sustainably strengthening local support systems.

Past Initiatives: Preventing Online Radicalization Among Youth

In Indonesia, many of the young people involved in so-called viollent extremist organizations are reportedly under the age of 29, and with the spread of the internet and social media, online recruitment targeting vulnerable youth has increased rapidly. With support from the Toyota Foundation, we have implemented social media video campaigns and online seminars featuring experts from Indonesia and abroad to help prevent young people from becoming involved in violence by encouraging them to reflect on their identities and recognize the importance of the people around them, including family and friends.

"At first, I wondered what a non-Muslim Japanese person could do. But in reality, being able to reflect on my past on equal footing and receive follow-up support rooted in everyday life was extremely meaningful."

— Arifin (pseudonym), Former Member of the So-Called Violent Extremist Organization Laskar Hisbah

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This project is supported by Citizen’s Fund Grand

Citizen's Fund Grand