Jakarta - The 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla\nor JK, highlighted the role of civil society in addressing humanitarian\nissues, whether resulting from conflicts or natural disasters.<\/p>\n
Kalla, in a public lecture at the Faculty of Social and Political\nSciences at the University of Indonesia in Depok on Tuesday, emphasised\nthat trust is a crucial asset when engaging in humanitarian\nactivities.<\/p>\n
Kalla explained on that occasion that the main challenges in\nhumanitarian activities today stem from two sources: human conflicts and\nconflicts with nature.<\/p>\n
\u201cConflicts occur in various parts of the world such as Ukraine, the\nMiddle East, and domestically like in Papua. In addition, natural\ndisasters such as floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis also cause\nsignificant humanitarian impacts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to him, humanitarian conflicts are generally triggered by\nfactors such as ideology, territorial disputes, political interests, and\nnatural resources. He cited various global and national conflicts that\nhave widespread impacts on civil society.<\/p>\n
He views that resolving humanitarian problems is not sufficient by\nmerely handling refugees, but must address the root of the conflict\nitself.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the conflict is resolved, the humanitarian issues will also be\nresolved. That is faster and more effective than just managing the\nimpacts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also recounted his experiences in handling various conflicts in\nIndonesia in the early 2000s, such as in Poso, Ambon, and Aceh, which at\nthat time displaced around 1.5 million people.<\/p>\n
He emphasised the importance of a logical approach, understanding the\nroot problems, and courage in resolving social conflicts, including\nreligion-based conflicts.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo religious teaching justifies killing others without reason. This\napproach is what we used to resolve conflicts in Poso and Ambon,\u201d he\nstated.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, regarding disaster management, Kalla highlighted the\nimportance of mutual cooperation. According to him, broad community\ninvolvement is the key to the success of various humanitarian actions,\nincluding during the Aceh tsunami disaster and the COVID-19\npandemic.<\/p>\n
The Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) explained that public\ntrust is the main capital in mobilising aid. With trust, the public is\nmore enthusiastic about getting involved as volunteers and even funding\nhumanitarian activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, PMI funds come from the public. They trust that the aid\nprovided will be distributed properly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
PMI, added Kalla, is currently supported by around 1.5 million\nvolunteers from various backgrounds, ranging from students, medical\npersonnel, to the general public.<\/p>\n
Kalla also urged universities to join in addressing the causes of the\nincreasing number of natural disasters in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere we hope that campuses can conduct research that directly\nimpacts efforts to avoid natural disasters, including how to prevent\nenvironmental damage,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jk-highlights-the-role-of-civil-society-in-humanitarian-activities-1775591491", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }