Engaging Youth in the Peace Process

Youth play a critical role in the peace consolidation and social reconstruction processes that are currently underway in Aceh. By and large, Acehnese youth have grown up in an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and injustice, and were excluded from normal processes of civic participation and engagement. Many played an active role in the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), and therefore missed out on opportunities to acquire the skills and education required to pursue legitimate livelihoods. Acknowledging the risk that unfilled economic aspirations of youth can lead to future outbreaks of crime and violence, a number of Government and donor-financed programs have provided financial support and vocational training aimed at reintegrating young former combatants into economic life. In addition to providing potential economic benefits, peace in Aceh has created spaces for youth to express their needs, concerns, and aspirations. If seized upon, these spaces present youth with the opportunity to reengage in civic life, and therefore act as peaceful agents of social change.

Using Radio

One such space through which to engage youth in the peace building and reconstruction processes is radio. Radio is a low-cost medium that enables information to be disseminated to a wide audience throughout the province. Radio can serve as a two-way, interactive means of communication when used in conjunction with other low-cost technologies such as mobile phones. Listeners can participate in talk-back programs, provide feedback on program content and respond to quizzes. Interactive communication channels can inform policy makers of the needs and concerns of youth and create networks of listeners. Furthermore, with training in basic reporting and production techniques, non-professional youth are able to lead all aspects of radio program content development and production.

Spaces for Youth to "Talk-Back"

The World Bank, with funding from DFID, is supporting the Aceh Youth Radio Program. The program, implemented by Search for Common Ground Indonesia, will broadcast 24 30-minute programs through 12 commercial and a number of other community radio stations in Aceh. Each program will be followed by a 30-minute interactive "talkback" segment. Feedback from these segments will be compiled and shared with local government stakeholders, including the Aceh Peace Reintegration Agency (BRA), provincial parliament, and the governor's office.