SFCG Indonesia Launches Project to Promote Religious Tolerance

By Brian Hanley

In September 2009, SFCG Indonesia launched a two-year project to promote religious freedom, pluralism and understanding through youth-centered educational activities in pesantrens (Islamic boarding schools).

SFCG will use innovative activities, including English debate competitions and “intended outcomes” comic books that are both unique and ground-breaking for pesantrens. The program focuses on pesantrens because of their ability to reach a large number of students, as well as impact the greater surrounding community.

The project, funded by the U.S. State Department, targets more than 25,000 students from 10 pesantrens across Java, as well as in Central Sulawesi, South Sumatra, and Lombok – all areas vulnerable to religious intolerance.

SFCG’s partner in this initiative is Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, and in the world. By working in close collaboration with Perhimpunan Pengembangan Pesantren dan Masyrakat (P3M), a civil society organization formed to advance educational development in NU pesantrens, this program ensures institutional sustainability, and that a lasting impact will be achieved.

Brian Hanley is the Country Director for SFCG Indonesia