ChildFund International’s Country Director in Indonesia, Husnul Maad, emphasizes the importance of strengthening collaboration to prevent conflicts by involving young people. One way that ChildFund International in Indonesia, with the support of the European Union, is through the Social Cohesion Strengthening Project (SSCP) to promote peace-building focused on youth. This initiative successfully produced the first provincial-level peace regulation in Indonesia, namely Lampung Governor Regulation No. 18 of 2025 concerning Guidelines for Strengthening Social Bonds in the Prevention of Social Conflicts.
Maad stated that the end of the SSCP does not mean that the movement and spirit of peace are extinguished. Through this program, we can learn, be inspired, and continue to strengthen collective work at the grassroots level to strengthen social bonds in preventing social conflicts, with a focus on involving young people. This activity is part of his team’s way of building a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful society amidst Indonesia’s diversity.
At the event, Firsada, representing the Governor of Lampung, mentioned that Lampung is the only province in Indonesia with a gubernatorial regulation on guidelines for strengthening social bonds in preventing social conflicts. Conflict prevention is crucial because it can minimize violence, build a harmonious environment, and enhance productivity, especially for young people.
The implementation of the Social Cohesion Strengthening Project in Lampung involved various stakeholders, including district and provincial governments. The program, which took place in South Lampung Regency for 30 months from February 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025, included activities such as mentoring schools and youth organizations and developing the Lampung Youth Peace Education Module in print and online form through www.ulunlampung.com. All approaches are based on local cultural values, particularly Piil Pesenggiri, the philosophy of Lampung society in social interaction, and consider gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion principles.
Candra Dethan, the Project Manager of SSCP at ChildFund International in Indonesia, emphasized that the strengthening of social bonds in preventing social conflicts, the main theme of the SSCP, was a collaborative process involving various parties, not only community groups but also government stakeholders, including academics. Dethan hopes that the success achieved can inspire everyone to continue promoting peace and understanding in society and serve as an example for other projects aimed at promoting peace and harmony.
Through the socialization of Lampung Governor Regulation No. 18 of 2025, ChildFund International in Indonesia, along with various cross-sector partners, aims to strengthen the legal and policy framework for conflict prevention and enhance active community participation in maintaining peace and strengthening social cohesion. Maad hopes that this breakthrough can be expanded throughout Indonesia because peace has a broader meaning than just quelling conflicts but also forming the foundation for sustainable progress. He encourages all layers of society to live more peacefully by enhancing conflict prevention and resolution practices based on culture and focusing on the role of young people.
