Students learn about conflict

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Amid widespread conflict in the country, a non-governmental organization and the city education agency held what they called a peace education program for senior high school students around the city to teach them how to deal with differences and conflict.

The three-day program, which was initiated by the Action Research and Training Institute and participated in by 250 students, was opened at the Cibubur camp site in East Jakarta on Wednesday.

"Our teenagers have witnessed many kinds of conflict in the country, including bloody conflicts in Maluku and Aceh. The program will open up their minds about conflict so they know how to deal with it properly," said Indriati, an adviser of the institute.

Although the subjects are relatively serious, the students apparently enjoyed the program due to the engaging teaching methods used. The subjects were introduced through a number of games, which managed to draw their attention.

During the three-day program, the students were divided into several groups. Each consisted of about 20 students, who had different social backgrounds.

They had to live together in several tents during the program.

"Interacting with people who have a different way of life, faith or thinking to mine makes me understand that I have to respect differences," said Yadi, one of the participants.

On the subject of conflict, the mentors put them in a conflict situation. Soon, they became involved in heated debate. However, with the guidance of the mentors, they were able to resolve their differences.

"I learned that conflict can occur anytime. It can grow unless we are able to solve it in a rational manner," said Sofian, 17, another participant, who said that he enjoyed the program.

"I think that conflict should be solved through dialog instead of violence," added Atri, 18.

Deputy principal of high school SMU 9 Pono F said that the program was beneficial to the students as they were taught about how they should deal with differences and conflicts between people.

"This method is relatively good for the students during the holidays. As it is presented through games, the students get the message easily. However, the results cannot be seen instantly," he said on the sidelines of the program.

The program was devised for two sessions, with each participated in by 125 students. The first ended last Friday afternoon, while the second was scheduled to start soon.

Indriati acknowledged that peace education, which had been developed by the institute based on a UNESCO program, was a long- term program.

"These students are expected to become trainers in similar programs at their schools. The point is that the students can then teach their peers about peace," she said.