How two Indonesian communities with different religions

LIVE IN HARMONY BY PLU REH

When my host organization, Institut Titian Perdamaian (ITP),

conducted CEWERS training in Central Sulawesi in July, I began to
better understand the reasons for the conflict between Christians
and Muslims in the villages of Poso and Tentena.

Poso is one of the cities that are geographically included in the

governance structure of Central Sulawesi Province. The Muslim
majority who lives in the area are usually cocoa farmers, fishermen
and local government officers. Before I got to Poso, I thought that
the escalation of the conflict in the area was due to religious
differences. But when I met Mr. Yuliman Hm, a community leader
from Tentena, he explained that the conflict emerged in the
shadow of Suharto’s resignation as Indonesia’s president in 1998.
A big conflict arose between the two communities in 2000
because of the competition between Christians and Muslims in
getting positions in the local government, known locally as bupati.
Around that time, in what is referred to as the first stage of the
conflict, Muslims launched an attack on Christians in Poso,
following a brawl between Christian and Muslim youth in the area.
At the CEWERS training in Poso, I was informed that ‘tikut’
(mouse), a traditional wine, turns out to be a sensitive word in the
area. Tikut is a traditional wine made from fermented coconut
water and a source of livelihood for the Christian community in
some parts of Sulawesi. But, for the Muslims, tikut is a drug and is
prohibited in Islam. The Muslims did not like that Christians are
producing and selling tikut. This started the tension between the
two communities and it almost became a big crisis in 2008,
especially in Poso and Tentena. As a solution, the local govern-
ment banned tikut in the market."
While in Poso, a participant in the CEWERS program, Mr. Andrias
Sambue, invited me to visit his home and celebrate together by
drinking tikut. I inadvertently said the word tikut while celebrating.
The room soon became totally silent as if nobody was in it and
they all stared at me. I knew at once that it has something to do
with the word. The person, who sat near me, then whispered to me,
“Don’t say this word (tikut) anymore.” After we came back from the
celebration, I realized that simple things can really trigger conflicts
between theses communities in Poso region.
During the two-day training in Poso, I also noticed the local dance
called ‘dero’. The participants and resource persons usually enjoy
dancing it while taking a rest or during the break in the discussions.
In my opinion, dero is one of the ways that can reduce the tension
between the two communities because it is a community dance.
Dero is also one of the few ways in which men and women,
Christian and Muslim, can celebrate together.
For many years, Poso was a peaceful city, located in Tomini Bay.
Although there are a variety of stories from the locals on why the
conflict started, the results of the conflict have left the most lasting
impression. What were formerly two inter-religious towns are now
each distinctly homogenous in their religious character. Although
there are mosques in Tentena and churches in Poso, they still
remain empty. The damage was equally caused by both Christian
and Muslim and the effects have been felt by both groups as well.
However, the conflict has subsided and Poso and Tentena are now
safe.
Live in Harmony… page 2

INSIDE
PAGE 3Protecting Bhutan’s Mountains First Ramadan Experience PAGE 7
PAGE 6 Monitoring Myanmar’s Election Island Trips in the Philippines PAGE 5
 PAGE 2
Understanding Peace
I have always been wandering what the
true meaning of peace is. This has also
been a common question to me whenever
I introduce myself as a PeaceComm
exchange participant. I try my best to
answer them. But truth is, I myself don’t
have much knowledge on what peace is.
Trip to Mindanao
My RICE training in EBC continues to
help me learn more about peace. Aside
from this, I was posted in Davao for one
month so I got the chance to visit many
peace organizations and government
agencies involved in peace building work
in Mindanao.
The common words that I heard from
the people I interviewed were
discrimination, unequal justice;
misunderstanding, minority, poverty,
negotiation, dialogue and peace talk, etc. I
also read a book of His Holiness Dalai
Lama about peace on which he said “The
world without conflict is unreal. Different
people have different ideas, different people
have different wishes and everybody has
their own aims. But resources are limited,
number of population is growing
Live in Harmony…
After I came back from the trip, I thought that the people of
Poso and Tentena are some of the kindest and warmest people
that I have met in Indonesia.
BY DAWA TSHERING
increasingly and its all manmade problems!
So it can be solved and bring peace but
only through dialogues.” His Holiness
continues that this generation belongs to
dialogue. So, we have to find ways to
bring peace, and we have to have the will
power — willingness to face these
challenges of conflict. And the only way is
through face to face dialogue.
Coming from the peaceful country of
Bhutan, I define peace as a state of mind
where one is free from violence and war
and one that has enough to eat, proper
shelter, freedom to move freely in the
given area, has the right to say anything
on his mind and the right to decide as per
own willingness and without conflicts.
Therefore, my understanding of peace is
that without conflict there is peace and
with peace there is happiness.
Mindanao is considered to be a
‘dangerous’ place to travel or live in
because of the ongoing conflict in
different areas. But after visiting various
peace organizations, I began to
understand the real situation in Mindanao.
This overwhelming kindness and natural beauty made it hard for
me to believe that conflict has been a big problem in the area.
Hopefully, with the help of CEWERS program of ITP in the area,
lasting peace may be sustained in Poso.

PEACE COMMUNICATORS
Youth Interfaith Dialogue
On September 21, I attended the youth
interfaith dialogue held by the United
Religions Initiative (URI). URI is a growing
global organization dedicated to achieve
cooperative action for a better world. It was
created by people from a multitude of faith
and tradition who share a common vision
that peoples’ religious and spiritual lives
can guide people in building the
community and respect for one another.
The URI is composed of self-motivated
groups called cooperation circles. Currently,
there are over 400 cooperation circles in 65
countries. The interfaith youth dialogue is a
gathering of youth giving them a chance to
share or exchange different religious views.
This year it was held at the Peace Circle
Office in PHILDHRRA in Quezon City and
around 25 youth of different professional
background from different countries were
gathered to have face-to-face dialogue on
peace.
International Peace Day Celebration
Attending the International Peace Day
was another big opportunity for me to
interact with many peacebuilders and learn
more about peace. International Peace Day
is celebrated every September 21 around
the world since the UN declaration in 1981.
According to the coordinator of the
event, the participation of youth in this very
important celebration has been growing
every year.
These, so far, are my great learning
experiences in the Philippines on
discovering the true meaning of peace.

FK fellows Hkun Myat and Dawa Tshering at the
International Peace Day Celebration held in Ma-
nila, Philippines.
 PEACE COMMUNICATORS PAGE 3

GOING GREEN IN BHUTAN A Call for Peace

BY HKAM AWNG
The “World Environment Day” falls in the month of June. This is why many
workshops on environment conservation and awareness programs were conducted
and Solidarity
here in Bhutan. Many government agencies and international organizations were The International Peace Day
involved and presented their plans and their roles and responsibilities in protecting the Celebration in the Philippines
environment and lessening the effects of climate change.
BY MIMI RICAMUNDA
We attended the Global Environment Facilities/Persistent Organic Pollutants
awareness workshop at Taj Hotel organized by the United Nations Development Peace advocates and the officers and
Programme (UNDP) on June 4. Then, we attended the meeting of some leaders on the staff of the Office of the Presidential
“Mitigation of Climate Change of Himalaya Region” on June 11 and the Poverty Adviser on the Peace Process led the
Environment Mainstream Guideline (PEMG-JSP) presentation on June 16 organized by celebration of the United Nation’s
the Gross National Happiness Commission in Bhutan. International Day of Peace on September
In August, I visited the natural dye plantation and traditional pottery work shed in 21 at the Peace Bell Area of the Quezon
Trongsa. For me, the traditional pot making project is a more comfortable and good Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Metro
source of income as compared with other projects or in agriculture work. However, the Manila highlighting the theme “Sustaining
products and incomes are just for benefit of the pot maker’s family and not yet for the the Youth’s Engagement, Bridging the
whole community. Proper training, materials and possible market for the products are Peace Building Gaps”.
necessary for this project to be successful. I also visited ‘Young Zoom on Garbage’, an
art festival which showcased the collective efforts put in by various organizations and The Peace Day celebration calls for
individuals in addressing the garbage problem through the ‘advocacy behavioral peace and solidarity as expressed from
change approach’. the interfaith prayers of representatives
No one can ignore the role of the environment in our daily lives. This is the reason from different religious groups, solidarity
why we should be aware of our responsibilities in taking care of it. Being aware of these speeches from local government and
things are necessary in preventing future disasters and amplifying the effects of global NGOs, poems delivered by the youth and
warming.
creative dance interpretation from the
youth of Canoosa Academy of Calamba
and Dance Out Loud for Peace Ballet.

Nature itself joined the Filipino

celebration of the International Peace Day
as the rain poured heavily at the closing
of the event.

It was in 1981 when the UN first

celebrated the International Day of Peace.
It was inaugurated with the ringing of the
MOLDING THE FUTURE. FK fellow Hkam Awng practicing his pot making skills in
Trongsa, Bhutan. “Peace Bell”, officially given as a gift by
the Diet of Japan made out of donations
from children all over the world.
It’s all wrong, but it’s alright. In this year’s celebration in the
BY DWIGHT JASON RONAN Philippines, the World Peace Society of
It was not a difficult decision to go back in this tragically beautiful country of Myanmar. Japan donated a Peace Pole to the
Philippine government. The message
At the time that I was asked to go back last March, I just started going back to school and “May Peace Prevail on Earth” was
working for a media firm in Manila. But I have this some kind of affinity for Myanmar that engraved in this Peace Pole.
easily lured me to go back. It was actually a weird feeling, knowing that after my first stay
here last year I was telling everyone that it was “the longest four months that I’ve ever had”. For the Filipinos, September 21 also
Perhaps, this time, I was better prepared to take on this new adventure. marked the declaration of the Martial Law
Last year, I remember regularly blogging my adventures with ASEAN in the Irrawaddy in 1972—considered a dark age in the
Delta region. For four months, I, together with five other ASEAN volunteers, stayed in rural democratic history of the country. People
villages and helped them rebuild their livelihoods after Cyclone Nargis hit the country in Power brought back democracy in 1986.

May 2008. It was post-disaster work, so one could just imagine the level of stress in our
work. And this was reflected on several of my blog posts.
It’s all wrong… page 9
 PAGE 4 PEACE COMMUNICATORS

Tense Moments in Burma

BY YOHANNES VICTOR LASI USBOBO
One Monday afternoon in August, my mobile phone rang. "Yanto,
Ma Ja Nan says come to office now." I received a call from Dwight,
my Peace Communicator friend in Myanmar, his voice quivering
slightly unusual. Outside, the rain was so heavy.

I then told my co-trainer Nang Shan, "I
was summoned to the office now. I do not
know what happened, but it seems very
serious. I must go now." Then I asked her
what bus should I ride and what bus stop
should I go down. On the way, I
wondered, what is going on. Why was I
called suddenly? There was no
satisfactory answer, my mind just
became very messy.
told to prepare all our things
and pack them in one bag so
that it would be easy to carry.
In case the second possibility
happens, Ma Ja Nan will bring
our things on her trip to
Bangkok the following week. I
was confused; I do not have a
big suitcase or a sufficient bag
for all of my stuff.

That morning, I and Nang Shan was
monitoring a conflict prevention and
peace building training by the Lokatta
Cariya Foundation, a local Buddhist NGO
in Yangon. We were monitoring that
training because their trainers have
attended the Shalom Foundation training
of trainers a month ago. The theme of the
training was ‘proposal writing training’,
but all the training materials were on
peace building. I think this theme was
used to easily get permission from the
government, because it is very difficult to
get permission if we conduct training on
peace. Even writing an article on peace
may have bad consequences. In my heart
I wondered, whether the phone call has
something to do with this particular
training.
As I arrived at the office, I first met Zau
Lum, project manager of the Peace
Education Unit. He revealed that I have to
go to Bangkok the following day to
extend my visa. After that, I met Ma Ja
Nan, Shalom’s Assistant Director, and she
told me, "You have to go to Bangkok
tomorrow to extend your visa. Are you
ready?" I said I was ready, but I wondered
why we needed to go the following day
knowing that our visa will expire in
September. She explained that it might be
difficult to extend the visa starting
September, so we have to go early. They
already called Ricky, the travel agent in
Bangkok that is responsible for renewing
our visas. That time, we were anticipating
two possibilities. One, if we get our visas,
we shall return to Yangon the following
week. But if not, maybe we need to stay
longer in Bangkok or return to our
home country. Therefore, we were
At around 4 p.m., Dwight told
me that he will go to the
Philippine Embassy. I stayed
at the office and went home
BUILDING PEACE. FK fellow Yanto Usbobo helps facili-
around 8:30 p.m. In the tate the peace education training at the Lokatta Cariya
apartment, I packed all my Foundation in Yangon, Myanmar.
stuff but they were packed in
four full small bags. I felt that
it would be difficult for Ma Ja Nan to carry
them.
Interestingly, while we were having
breakfast that day, Dwight told me that an
Irish missionary who served in Pyin Oo
Lwin was arrested and extradited just a
week ago for staying with local residents
in his apartment. The night before, two
guests from Myitkyina arrived in our
apartment. He was also thinking about the
situation because our guests have to stay
with us for a week. Dwight got the story
from the embassy staff from their weekly
activities with the Filipino community.
Every week, Dwight has always carried
stories on the events that happened
outside, such as the checking of the
apartments of Filipino citizens by the
military and government and the arrest
and deportation of the missionaries. I
don’t know the situation outside, because I
just stay in the apartment, go to the mar-
ket, to office, to Inya Lake, and to Nay Pyi
Daw Cinema. Normally, I just shut up and
listen to him, but this morning I responded
by joking, "If there is a military or police
that comes we can escape through the
emergency staircase." And he said, “But we
don’t have the key”. And I also told him,
“Oh, if the government arrests or deports us,
we will be famous in Philippines and
Indonesia. It will be the headline of the
national and local news.” We were
laughing together. I continued, "Do not
forget to call the embassy immediately, if
they come." After breakfast, he went to
the office and I and Nang Shan went to
Lokatta Cariya Foundation.
The following morning, I saw that
Dwight’s room was clean already. He
prepared all of his stuff much
earlier. That day, we went to office as
usual. At 2 p.m., I decided to go home
early to buy a new suitcase. Then, I
packed all of my things and took few
clothes good for two weeks in Bangkok. I
felt confident that we will be back as soon
as possible.
At around 5 p.m., we went to the Yangon
International Airport by taxi. In the first
door, we paid 20 FEC for the airport tax
(20 USD). Next, we got inside the airport,
but we first have to go through the X-ray.
I was about to take my suitcase, when a
policeman came and told me, "Pe'syan
pe'syan”, meaning ‘money’. I told him,
"Pe'syan ma shi bu" (I don’t have money.).
But he replied that I have money inside
my suitcase as seen from the X-ray and he
told me to open my suitcase. I was scared,
I was sweating cold sweat. He asked for
my ID card because he thought I was
Burmese. But when I handed my
Tense Moments… page 9
 PEACE COMMUNICATORS PAGE 5

Bohol and Cebu Adventures

BY HKUN MYAT
Our five-day trip to the islands of Bohol and Cebu with Ma’am
Beth Roxas, Mimi Ricamunda and Dawa Tshering last June was a
mixture of learning and recreation.
DAY ONE
We arrived in Tagbilaran City, Bohol at 9:30 in the morning.
Immediately from the airport, we started with our day-long tour.
The places we visited include the Blood Compact Monument,
Baclayon Church and Museum, and the Philippine Tarsier area.
Then, we had lunch at Loboc River Cruise. After lunch, we went to
Chocolate Hills, Simply Butterflies and Conservation Center,
Man-made Forest, Sevilla Bridges, and to Prony Snake and
Souvenir Shop.
The Loboc River is an interesting place for me because the river is
very useful to everyone including the community for their
eco-tourism projects. We also saw the Philippine Tarsier, the
smallest primate in the world found in islands of Bohol. The
Chocolate Hills in the center of the island was amazing and
peaceful.
DAY TWO
We attended the Bohol Focal Community Assistance Scheme
Partnership and Turnover Program of the Philippines-Australia
Community Assistance Program held at Bohol Cultural Center in
Tagbilaran City. The program has four FOCAS projects. These are
‘SWEET’ VIEW. FK fellows Dawa Tshering and Hkun Myat at the
Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines.
focused on enterprise development, ecological-cultural tourism,
sustainable agriculture and water and sanitation. It was an
opportunity for the communities to showcase their own products.
We noticed how communities became self-reliant on their own
skills and resources out of this program.
DAY THREE
The Balicasag Island is an example of how a community could
benefit from ecotourism. Their source of livelihood is to provide
food, boating, snorkeling guide services and sell jewelry souvenir
items to tourists. I also noticed that in this community, they get
drinking water from the rain. If there is no rain, they have to buy
from Tagbilaran City.
DAY FOUR
Cebu is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the
Philippines. We arrived in Cebu at 9:00 a.m. from Bohol by Ocean
Jet 6. We have been to many places such as the Fort San Pedro,
Magellan’s Cross, Santo Nino Church, Cathedral Museum of Cebu,
Heritage of Cebu, Casa Gorordo, and Philippine Taoist Temple.
DAY FIVE
We visited the Hollywood in Asia, known as the Bigfoot, an
International Academy of Film and Television. Around 80 students
from all over the world are studying in this academy, mostly
foreign students from India. They provide expert resource persons
from the US and top of the line technical equipment and facilities.
We also visited Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation
and shared information and communication strategies in
implementing projects in the communities. In the evening, we
enjoyed the Sky Experience and dinner in Crown Regency.

(Clockwise from above) Dawa Tshering with the Philippine Tarsier, one of
the smallest primate in the world; Hkun Myat and Dawa Tshering with
EBC’s Beth Roxas and Mimi Ricamunda on their way to Loboc River; and
Hkun Myat while riding the Loboc River Cruise.
 PAGE 6
BREAKING BARRIERS
What the 2010 election brings to the plight
of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities.
BY DWIGHT JASON RONAN
Myanmar is said to be one of the most ethnically diverse
countries in the world. The ethnic minorities (with which they
prefer to be called ‘ethnic nationalities’) make up almost
one-third of 50-million population. At present, the government
recognizes eight major ethnic groups – the Bamar, Chin, Kachin,
Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Shan, and Rakhine – aside from the more
than 130 smaller groups.
Although the cat-and-mouse chase between the military
government and pro-democracy groups in the past decades have
captured the world’s attention and placed Myanmar in the map,
only a few are aware of the prevailing tension among the ethnic
groups in the country. These conflicts, stemming from the ethnic
groups’ struggle for autonomy, have long since plagued
Myanmar even before its independence from colonial rule. It’s an
issue left for the world to see.
How it all started
In the pre-colonial times, migrating ethnic groups for
neighboring China, India, and Thailand established their
communities scattered in the fertile lands between the eastern
edges of the Himalayas and the banks of the Irrawaddy River.
The modern-day Myanmar consists of these scattered kingdoms
later organized by Bamar King Anawrahta.
When the British arrived in the 19th century, they occupied only
Bamar areas as these were where rice, teak, and other export
goods are found. The mountainous areas occupied by other
ethnic groups were allowed to remain largely autonomous. The
British mainly trained these ethnic minority groups to work for
the British regime and most of them converted to Christianity,
leaving the Bamar-majority to be Buddhists. These
developments fueled the animosity between the Bamars and the
other ethnic groups.
During the Second World War, the Bamars sided with the
invading Japanese troops, while ethnic minority groups
remained loyal to the British. Thousands died in the violent
clashes between these two groups. But, the situation and
treatment to locals during the Japanese occupation only got
worse. So, the Bamars, led by General Aung San, eventually
sided with the returning British forces. But the wounds
resulting from conflicts between the Bamars and the ethnic
minorities were already too deep to immediately heal.
General Aung San, considered as the country’s national hero, led
Myanmar in its footstep to independence. In 1947, talks between
Aung San and the British Commonwealth resulted to British’s
decision to allow Myanmar to form its own government through
a loan for its startup budget and an election. With the promise of
full autonomy in their areas, leaders from different ethnic
minority groups agreed to participate in the election and signed
the famous Panglong Agreement. The election pushed through
PEACE COMMUNICATORS
in April 1947, with the majority of the seats taken by Aung San’s
party, while ethnic minorities occupied around 60 of the 225
seats. Unfortunately, Aung San was assassinated in July 1947,
with the plot attributed to a Bamar opposition party.
Despite the tragedy, the Union of Burma was officially
established and the country became independent in 1948.
However, the ethnic minority groups were distrustful of the
Bamar majority. They left the government and went into armed
opposition. The situation in the country continued to get worse.
Chaos continued to heighten after the military coup in 1958,
which put General Ne Win and his “Burmese Road to Socialism”
into power. Myanmar has since remained under the military
rule.
In 1989, the military regime initiated ceasefire talks with ethnic
minority groups. However, the breakdown of the 1990 elections
have dampen these talks. While several groups were successful
in being granted de facto administrative authority within their
areas, some have yet to put down their arms and the fighting,
especially in the border areas, continues.
The election connection
The ensuing conflicts between the military government and
armed ethnic groups have largely affected the development in
the ethnic minority areas. The number of refugees fleeing to
neighboring Thailand and China has increased exponentially in
the past few years. Not to mention, the increasing HIV/AIDS
and other human rights abuse cases in the conflict areas.
Many organizations, UN agencies included, are highly restricted
to work with the victims of these conflicts. This is where Shalom
Foundation comes in. Shalom continues to be in the forefront in
supporting the ongoing peace process through its mediation,
peace education, and other development works. For ten years
now, Shalom has been organizing and facilitating mediation
talks between ceasefire groups and the government. Moreover,
Shalom has been actively involved in building the capacities of
mediation and peace committees, which in turn, results to a
more holistic approach in addressing peace issues in the
grassroots level. Aside from these, development projects are
continuously being implemented in the ethnic states of Kachin,
Kayah, and Mon.
There is a prevailing notion within the military regime that
ethnic minorities are in a constant plot to destabilize the
country. As a result, members of the ethnic groups often feel
Breaking barriers… page 7
 PEACE COMMUNICATORS PAGE 7

Celebrating Ramadan
BY PLU REH
This year, August is a big month for Indonesians. And there are two
reasons why. First reason is because of “Ramadan”, a time for reflecting
and worshiping Allah for Muslims. Another reason is “Merdeka”, the
remarkable day of Indonesia’s independence from the Japanese
occupation in 1945.

It is my first experience on how
Muslims celebrate Ramadan. I was
curious in knowing the meaning of
fasting in that month. I observed that
most Indonesians gave importance to the
month of Ramadan in their speeches,
manners and attitudes. I walked around
Jakarta, especially to mosques, and asked
some people about fasting using my
Bahasa Indonesia skills. I also read some
articles in the Internet on why Islam
obliges its followers to fast during
Ramadan. According to the article, the
reasons for fasting are (a) to develop
compassion for the poor and needy who
feel hungry every day, (b) as a spiritually
and physically cleansing experience, (c)
to become closer to God by
contemplating his will in your life, and
(d) to build self-discipline and to become
a better person.
The most prominent event of that
month was the fasting, known locally as
puasa or avoidance from eating, drinking,
sexual activities, etc. Everyday during
Ramadan, several ITP staff get up before
dawn (usually before 4:30 a.m.) to eat
breakfast or sahari or suhur. Then they
perform the sholat or the prayer. From
4:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., they do not eat
anything; they do not even drink water.
In addition, fasting is supposed to refrain
from bad habits like lying, getting angry,
using bad language and one needs to be
more diligent in praying and giving to
charities. It is believed that fasting
heightens the spirituality and develops
self-control.
Normally, Muslims wake up early in the
morning to have a meal. In order to wake
up the faithful, a call to prayer is sounded
from the neighboring mosques. In
addition, groups of young boys walk
around the neighborhood while beating
drums and making other noise. The
breaking of the fast at sunset is a very
social occasion for which special types of
food are prepared for the gathering of
family or friends. Upon hearing the sound
of the bedug (drum) or the call to prayer
from the neighboring mosques at sunset,
the faithful knows it is time to break their
fast, or the buka puasa. This is usually
done with a very sweet drink and sweet
snacks.
Many restaurants are closed during the
day and there are restrictions on drinking
and smoking. So, during Ramadan, I had a
hard time looking for a place to eat.
Actually, I have no idea on the details on
Ramadan before I got here in Indonesia.
Sometimes, my colleagues ask me, “Don’t
you fast?” I usually reply that I would fast
for another day. But, truth is, I haven’t
fasted yet even though Ramadan is
finished already. During Ramadan, most
of the people asked me “Apakah kamu
puasa hari ini? (Are you fasting for
today?) Being asked by locals very often, I
felt ashamed and I thought of fasting for
at least a day in order to control all my
emotions. As a non-Muslim, I really
appreciated the act of fasting of the Mus-
lims here in Indonesia and I also got to
know more about Islam.
Indonesia also recently celebrated its
65 years of independence. For the whole
month of August, the red white flags
were flown everywhere in Jakarta.
History has shown that Indonesia was a
diverse country long before its
independence. With its ups and downs
over the last 65 years, Indonesia still has
a lot of work to do to be organized and
united. In fact, Indonesia is still facing so
many problems such as attacks and
violence against a Protestant church in
West Java, the disputes on water
territory with Malaysia, corruptions,
movements in Papua planning to split
from the nation, etc. Despite these, it is a
relief to welcome Ramadan when for one
month, they all put their differences and
problems aside and concentrate on their
religious obligations.

Breaking barriers… Interestingly, there is a significant number of ethnic political parties

that they are being marginalized and discriminated by a “Bamar”
government. In fact, state media attributes the death of eight
people and 48 injuries from January to August, to landmines
allegedly plotted by ethnic insurgents.
Last year, the military also ordered all ceasefire groups to be part
of the so-called “Border Guard Force”. This move intends the
ceasefire groups to be under the control of the Burmese military.
As expected, most ceasefire groups were against the proposal.
The refusal of these groups, have resulted to delays on the
registration of ethnic political parties connected with these
ceasefire groups. As an example, in Kachin State, three political
parties applied for formation, but only one has been approved.
The party that was approved is said to be an ally of the
political party backed by the military junta.
participating in the upcoming elections. Of the 47 parties who
registered, about 30 are ethnic political parties. However, most of
these parties are focusing only on their particular ethnic areas.
Because of these, it is expected that there will only be a small ethnic
representation in the national assembly.
Much has been said on what impact this year’s election may have
on the future of Myanmar. Most Western countries have already
remarked that the election will only legitimize the continuous
military rule in the country. For others, this election may only bring
small ripples as against to the raging sea of present issues the coun-
try is currently facing. As for the ethnic minorities of Myanmar, the
struggle continues.

 PAGE 8 PEACE COMMUNICATORS

TARAYANA
TALES
What’s keeping us busy in Bhutan
BY MYRA FLOR SIOCO
Participating in workshops is one of the
things I really like here in Bhutan. I get to
meet different people, gain new friends,
but more importantly, I learn a lot from
the speakers and co-participants. I must
say that I am privileged to be part of
Tarayana family because workshops and
trainings are regularly offered free.
me to appreciate the beautiful scenic valley All Tarayana staff attended another
of Phobjikha, which is considered to be photography workshop to improve the
One workshop I attended was really
famous in Bhutan. Going there should only documentation of projects. Hosted by
intended for people with accounting
take about five hours. But it took longer Bhutan Foundation, it was a two-day
background. I thought the subject matter
than expected. Halfway through our trip, session facilitated by an American volun-
will be difficult for me to grasp because
the car ahead of us was in an accident. A teer Regina De Louise. The first day was
I’m more into communication-related
middle-aged woman was badly injured as devoted to familiarization on technical
activities. But I was wrong, because the
she hit her head on the windshield, broke aspects of a camera. The second day was
QuickBooks software is quite easy to
her left arm and right leg. I could have the presentation of photos we took
understand and use. It is not only for
panicked because I saw blood rolling down during the week. I find the workshop very
people who deal with finances. It is a great
from her head as she wails in pain. But that helpful and encouraging especially for
tool for anyone who wants to organize
did not distract me. My colleague and I those who are still learning the basics. The
data be it client, donors, vendors or
were focused and knew what we need to facilitator appreciated how we framed the
suppliers information.
do. We were stranded for more than two shots, the composition, angle and the
hours on the road but that did not bother subjects we chose. I find her way of telling
The second workshop I attended was a
me because we were able to help a person us how we can improve our skills effective.
disaster management and preparedness
in need. She will first find the good in a photo but
workshop. It was facilitated by two
will also mention the points for
American medical volunteers who have
I was scared during the trip because we’re improvement in the end.
expressed their genuine desire to help by
traveling through narrow roads under
offering to conduct the workshop again if
heavy rains. After seeing the accident, I was The last, but I feel is the most important
necessary. I have attended a similar
even more scared and began to seriously activity that we did this past months is the
workshop in Thailand during the FK
pray for my family. But upon reaching the phase of change Tarayana is going
preparatory course, but I still learned a lot
place, the enchanting view made me realize through. New office culture and
from them. An American psychiatrist, Dr.
it was all worth it. I think I have only seen procedures were discussed during the
Kristina Jones, was invited on the second
such scenery in movies. And I would love to regular meetings which started early in
day to give us some pointers on how we
go back there before leaving Bhutan. July. With the help of Akayah, the
can comfort people who were victims of a
American Surgicorp program officer, we
disaster. Even if the workshop is just for
Last August, Ms. Roseleen Gurung, the identified problems and issues that need
two days, we were given enough time to
Tarayana program director, went to Japan to be addressed. The solutions and
practice every procedure that we learned.
for a two-month training. That’s why I was systems were a group decision. Everybody
It is not enough that we know first aid, but
asked to help present the mid-year shared their ideas on how we can improve
we should also be able to administer it
progress report of one UNDP-funded productivity. I find it a very helpful activity
during a disaster. And this was put to test
project in Samtse on her behalf. I came to because we all agreed on new systems
when we went on a trip to Gogona.
understand more how Tarayana initiatives that will make us more efficient and help
are helping the community people improve us perform our jobs well. Efficiency at work
On the third week of July, I was asked to
their lives. More funds are needed to reach will help us to be more productive. And if
join Thinley Bidha, Tarayana’s solar focal
more communities to which the UNDP has we are productive at work, we’ll be able to
person, to observe how to repair the solar
shown positive response in our request for help more people in the rural
kits of some villagers at Gogona. Aum
additional budget. communities.

Chime finds it also a good opportunity for
 PEACE COMMUNICATORS PAGE 9

Tense Moments…
passport, he was shocked because I am
an Indonesian. He asked me, “You spoke
Burmese, I thought you were Burmese.” I
asked him to let me go. I was trying to
give him some money but he does not
want it.
Dwight came and spoke to them also. I
went outside and contacted Tu Ja, a
colleague from Shalom, so he can take my
money. Meanwhile, Dwight called Ma Ja
Nan, and she advised to take 20,000 kyats
(20 USD) and leave the money at the
airport. However, the policeman did not
want to receive the money. I went out
again to wait for Tu Ja or anyone who will
come.
While I was outside, Dwight, Nan Shang mind due to the sudden announcement
and Zau Lum were all calling me at the about our trip to Bangkok.
same time. Between panic and
The following day in Bangkok, Ricky sent
resignation, I thought of going back to the
one of his staff members to take our
apartment to put it or if no one picks it up
passports in order to extend our visas.
then I'll decide not to go to Bangkok that
Three days later, we got our visas but we
day. And then, Dwight called again telling
did not immediately return to Yangon.
me to just exchange the money at the
This is because if we return to Yangon
money changer. But not long after, Zau
that day, then our visas would expire on
Lum and Moon Light, another officemate,
November 5, two days before the
came. I left my money to them, and
election. Pyone advised us to stay two
entered the airport to check-in and pay for
more days, so our visa would expire on
the immigration fee. Inside, I asked
November 9 or two days after the
Dwight, “Why they did not detain you also?”
He told me that he exchanged his money to elections in Burma.

dollar before going to the airport. I
already know that the government does
not allow bringing large amount of kyats
overseas. Unfortunately, it slipped my

It’s all wrong…
“It all sounds like a perfect pitch for a reality show.
Six strangers from different parts of the world stuck in one roof in
a rural village in a foreign country for five months. No television,
no consistent contact to the outside world (no cellphone and
Internet connection) in a generator-powered house. Add up,
spotting more than five deadly snakes in less than three weeks,
being an incubus of insect bites and some other rashes, a
suntanned face (more of roasted, actually), and recurring tummy
aches due to unfamiliar tastes. Toss up, learning a complex
language plus the several lost-in-translation and dead-air
moments. Plus, mastering the art of riding motorcycles and
riverboats, traversing bamboo bridges, and trudging large rice
fields. And of course, some tensions boiling up, alliances being
formed, and connivances starting. It all sounds too familiar.
But this time, no one gets eliminated and no cash prize awaits
the last man standing. No 24/7 cameras. No immunity and
reward challenges. No fast forwards or any pit stops.
Gearing up for more. 21 days in. 90 more days left.”
This is one of the many blog entries I wrote that reeks of the
frustration and the stress that I was feeling that time.
But it’s a totally different story this year. It’s been four months since
I arrived back and so far the experience has been great. Perhaps,
I’m more used to with the culture, the people, the food, the
environment, and the other things that I have and I am
experiencing now.
The discussion on cross cultural adjustment and coping
mechanisms during the preparatory course in AIT was also a big
help. After those discussions, I did realize that the things that I was
experiencing back then were typical symptoms of “culture shock”.
Interestingly, these symptoms were actually documented in my
blog entries, from constantly comparing the differences in culture,
excessive concern over cleanliness, feeling of helplessness, delay in
learning the language, great concern over minor pains and skin
irritations, longing to be back home to talk to people who “make
sense”, and so on.
Back then, it really took me a long time before I could adjust to the
new environment. This may be one of the many reasons why I
came back – to test if I really have adjusted to the Burmese way of
life.
Sure, I still have bouts with homesickness and boredom, but I
think it’s more manageable this time as compared with the last
time I was here. And every time I feel really down, I always go back
to this blog entry I wrote last year.
“I finally got an answer why I have been in my sulkiest for the
past few weeks - I just forgot to have fun.
I have finally derestricted myself from the surrounding pangs.
And an (emotional) paradigm shift is all I needed. Happiness
(and homesickness and boredom and so on), I (re)learned, is
just a state of mind. If you choose to be happy, then you’ll be
happy. It’s all about tapping your cognitive to work with what
you believe in and then with what you feel (or vice versa, with
what you feel then what you believe in).
At first, I thought I had no choice but to bore myself working
out ways to survive the next months. But I did have a choice. I
was just too fixated thinking about what I don’t have. So now,
I’m slowly trying to perfect the norms and enjoy each day.
Running the risks of not knowing what will happen next isn’t
bad after all.
So, instead of counting down the number of days left or think-
ing about the what-ifs, I should enjoy and learn from the
experience. After all, life’s scarce with second chances. Or
worse, life doesn’t give us any chance to turn around the
events and we just have to be man enough to live by each
moment as if it was our very last. It may all sound too preachy,
but I call this LIVING THE EXPERIENCE.”

 PAGE 10 PEACE COMMUNICATORS

TIMEOUT
(Stories from other FK exchange program participants)

Beijing Blues
BY NGUYEN THU HUONG
(FK fellow from Vietnam posted in China)
I am sure that every exchange program participant has faced
some challenges in adjusting to a new living environment. Did
you feel lonely or homesick during your first months? I would
like to share how I overcame challenges at the beginning of my
posting in China.
If you have a companion in your host country, you are so lucky.
I arrived in Beijing alone and I was arranged to live alone in an
apartment not far from my office. People around me speak
Chinese, which I cannot understand. Everything is new for me.
With some support from my host organization, I started to
learn the simple things such as how to get to office by bus, how
to use subway, how to go to nearby supermarket or how to ask
for directions with some Chinese words.
I cannot forget my first Sunday in Beijing. I didn’t know how to
drive away the loneliness that I was feeling. I sat alone at my
apartment while drinking coffee and looking out by the
window. At that time, I received a message from Tai, the Lao
participant also posted in Beijing, saying that he was also alone
drinking wine. He asked me to go out to eat. But, we were very
far from each other and we didn’t know how to meet at that
time. Then, I decided to go outside and do something so I
wouldn’t be that sad. I walked around my place to be familiar
with the surrounding environment and tried to find market
and stores in the area.
I usually go out every weekend and I don’t allow myself to stay ONE FAMILY. FK fellows Sodsuda Oudomsuk, Wee Phimphat, and
in my room for the whole day because that may make me feel Mai Lan Nguyen in Xiangkhoang, Laos (top). FK fellows Anya Altank-
homesick or depressed. I need to interact with people and the huyag, Tai Southivongorath, and Nguyen Thu Huong in Beijing,
outside environment. I often go for a walk around the China.
playground along a river near my apartment to get some fresh
air, observe the lifestyle of the locals and to practice Chinese course and I plan to learn it by myself. I look like Chinese, so
with the vendors in the park. people often speak to me in Chinese. I listen to them and wait until
I feel glad each time I discover new things. I learned that in a they finish speaking, and then say “wo ting bu dong”, which means
new living environment, it’s better to observe others before “I don’t understand”. One of my colleagues said that I speak that
doing. To get on bus in Beijing, passengers have to ‘touch’ their sentence very well and accurately. I also try to learn the local
public transport cards on the equipment inside the bus. One language from the residents. The woman selling in a convenience
time, I forgot to place my card on the equipment, and the bus store near my apartment often tell me the Chinese names of goods
driver reminded me by microphone. I didn’t have any idea that I buy and then corrects me if I say it in the wrong way. I also
because it was in Chinese, but I soon realized it when everyone brought two dictionaries so each time I want to buy something, I
on the bus looked at me. Another time, I bought some cakes in check the dictionary on how to say it in Chinese. But sometimes,
a bakery then put them right on the account table to pay for it. people have difficulty in understanding my pronunciation or
Someone stared at me and then I understood that I should take accent.
my cakes to the end of the queuing line and wait for my turn. We are now in the middle of the posting, and so far I got
My home and host countries are almost similar in culture so I accustomed with the living environment and my Chinese skills are
didn’t experience any culture shock. But, my biggest challenge getting better. I always apply PB (positive bias) taught by Dr. Ben
is in the language barrier. Almost all the staff in my host Weinstein in the preparatory course in Thailand. I learnt that in
organization and local residents can’t speak English and I also every situation, if we look forward with positive thinking, we can
can’t speak Chinese. I don’t have a Chinese language overcome any challenge.

 PEACE COMMUNICATORS PAGE 11

Lost in Translation UPDATES AND

BY SOUKNILUNDON SOUTHIVONGORATH
(FK fellow from Laos posted in China) ANNOUNCEMENTS
KFC, McDonald or Pizza Hut are very popular fast food brand names in the
world. But if you ask the locals in China about those in original English names, PEACECOMM5
you wouldn’t catch them for sure. MIDTERM REVIEW/MEETING
I’ve been to many countries because of my work as a journalist, but this seems October 25 to 28, 2010
to be the first time that I had a problem with the language barrier. In China, so Manila, Philippines
many don’t speak English and they even change the brand names into their To be hosted by the lead partner,
own language. The pronunciations of KFC, McDonald or Pizza Hut are popular Environmental Broadcast Circle
around the world. But here, local people call them ‘Ken de ji’ for KFC, ‘Mai
dang lao’ for McDonald and ‘Bi sheng ke’ for Pizza Hut. At first, it sounded GOOD NEWS for FK fellows Myra Sioco, Yanto
funny and confusing. But five months later, it’s not that strange anymore. But Usbobo and Dawa Tshering because their family
not for newcomers. visit grants were approved. Early Christmas gift
Some think that being fluent in English is enough to communicate with people from FK Norway!
around the world. But China is different. According to Wikipedia, there are
over 200 to 350 million Chinese that can read English words. But, as anyone —————————————————
can see on the streets of China, only a handful of millions are regular English
speakers. The website lists that there are about ten million Chinese that can Environmental Broadcast Circle
speak in English, while its current population is about 13 billion. Therefore, Philippines
there are still billions that can’t speak and read English.
Interestingly, Chinese have their own style in pronouncing English words. FK fellows Hkun Myat and Dawa Tshering will be
Aside from the fast food brands, they also pronounce brand names of attending an ecological camp on the last week of
beverages differently. Coke becomes ‘Kele’, Pepsi to ‘Paishi kele’, Fanta to September in Laguna. They will also be attending a
‘Fenda’ and 7Up to ‘Xuebi’. Most of them pronounce these names with the video and radio production training in Quezon City
Chinese style, so new visitors should learn about this before going. and in UP Los Baños.
As a journalist, I asked the locals how important English is for them. One of
them said that he doesn’t care to learn it because his work doesn’t need it. Institut Titian Perdamaian
When he visits other country in the future, he believes Chinese technology Indonesia
will help him, perhaps through an English-talking machine. Another lady said
that English is only good for communications with foreign businesses. She FK fellow Plu Reh has already finished his Bahasa
believes that the local market is big for future investments. The lady maybe Indonesia course. He attended the CEWERS training
right, because many foreign investors are still targeting China’s large local in Central Sulawesi and he continues to help update
market.
the Myanmar desk in ITP.

‘Eye-opening’ Meeting in China Shalom (Nyein) Foundation

BY ARIUNZAYA ALTANKHUYAG
(FK fellow from Mongolia posted in China)
I am very happy and lucky that during my posting in Beijing I had a great
opportunity to attend the 25th APAO Congress jointly organized by
Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) and American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO) in Beijing from September 16 to 20. This is the most
important congress in the Asia-Pacific region this year with the participation
of more 8,000 delegates from many countries.
I have never attended such big meeting. About 400 scientific sessions with
over 900 top-notch international and Chinese speakers delivered different
presentations. Over 980 free papers, 2200 posters and 35 videos were shown
during the Congress. During the Congress, I met many of my Mongolian
friends and teachers who are speakers in the Congress. Twenty four doctors
from Mongolia attended the event.
The event was held at the China National Convention Centre located right next
to the Bird's Nest (China National Stadium) and the Water Cube (the National
Aquatics Centre) in Beijing.

Myanmar
FK fellows Dwight Jason Ronan and Yanto Usbobo
have already completed their Burmese language
class. They continue to participate and facilitate
peace education and civic education trainings. They
are now starting an English conversation club for the
SF staff. They also have a plan to visit the Bagan
Archaeological Zone in October.
Tarayana Foundation
Bhutan
FK fellows Myra Sioco and Hkam Awng will have a
community trip to Trongsa with students from Whea-
ton College. They will also participate in the senior
citizen’s Bodhgaya pilgrimage in November.
 PAGE 12 PEACE COMMUNICATORS

PEACE COMMUNICATORS Message from Partner

is produced by the
Environmental Broadcast Circle (EBC) of the
Philippines in partnership with the Institut Titian
Perdamaian (ITP) of Indonesia, Shalom (Nyein)
Foundation (SF) of Myanmar and
Tarayana Foundation (TF) of Bhutan.
Together, they form the PeaceComm
Exchange Program which aims to promote
mutual exchange of knowledge, experiences, and
skills on peace and communication.
With support from:
Editorial Committee:
Ja Nan Lahtaw (SF)
Ichsan Malik (ITP)
Chime Paden Wangdi (TF)
Elizabeth Roxas (EBC)
Mimi Ricamunda (EBC)
Dwight Jason Ronan (Participant)
Chief Editor:
Elizabeth Roxas
Contributors:
Dawa Tshering (Bhutan)
Yohanes Victor Lasi Usbobo (Indonesia)
Souknilundon Southivongorath (Laos)
Ariunzaya Altankhuyag (Mongolia)
Hkam Awng (Myanmar)
Hkun Myat (Myanmar)
Plu Reh (Myanmar)
Dwight Jason Ronan (Philippines)
Myra Flor Sioco (Philippines)
Nguyen Thu Huong (Vietnam)
Production Coordinator:
Dulce Cuacoyes
Lay-out and Design:
Dwight Jason Ronan
Ja Nan Lahtaw
Assistant Director
Shalom (Nyein) Foundation
It has been five years since the PeaceComm exchange program started
and it has been a fruitful experience for all partner organizations,
including Shalom Foundation. The continuous exchange of ideas and
best practices has benefited all organizations involved in the program.
And we all owe it to Fredskorpset Norway’s generous support and
guidance.
Shalom Foundation is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the theme
“Together… JustPeace is Promising”. With this, Shalom promises to
continue its efforts in the peace work in the country through our
mediation, peace education, civic education, and other development
programs and projects. We hope that the past and present participants
that have worked with Shalom Foundation have learned a lot from their
experiences with our organization.
Our country, Myanmar, will go through big changes within the next
months. We are grateful that the strong partnerships that we have
through the PeaceComm program have been very valuable. In line with
PeaceComm’s aim of bringing about change through ‘peaceful’ means,
we do hope that the transition in our country this year will also be
peaceful.
It has always been the core value and spirit of PeaceComm partners to
support the most needed partner. All PeaceComm partners have lived
up to this spirit and supported Myanmar partner all along the way. As
the government of Myanmar is preparing for the election on November
7, 2010 (the first time since 1990 – after 20 years), I do hope for your
“solidarity” with the people in Myanmar as we are going into a
democratic transition.
Support and solidarity from all of you is much appreciated from all
FK partners and friends! Let’s all make JustPeace possible.

Environmental Broadcast Circle (EBC)

3F GIF Medical Building, 510
C. Raymundo Avenue
Caniogan, Pasig City, 1606, Philippines
Telephone Number: +6326434583
Fax Number: +6326422128
E-mail: ebc@ebc.org.ph