Global Survivors Network was proud to sponsor an extremely successful working discussion in Jakarta last week.  Working with ASKOBI (Asosiasi Korban Bom Terorisme di Indonesia), the umbrella organization for all victims of terrorism in Indonesia, we held a 2-day event to help victims speak out.

Day One entailed a discussion with journalists, terrorism experts, government officials and former extremists about how to best spread the victims’ message of peace through traditional and new media.

Participants hailed from over thirty news organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior officials in the diplomatic community and the International Crisis Group. More than fifty victims from all parts of Indonesia, as well as Australia, Pakistan, Jordan and the US attended the event to share their stories and learn how to use their voices to prevent future acts of terror.

The results were outstanding - a number of next steps were recommended, including the idea of ASKOBI creating a documentary film and organizing victims to speak in correctional facilities in which convicted terrorists reside.  We also sponsored the launch of ASKOBI’s new website !

Day Two was attended by more than 100 students from eighteen high schools and universities.  They demonstrated incredible enthusiasm – students from diverse schools volunteered to collaborate to create a logo and branding for ASKOBI, and all pledged to host the victims at their schools to allow them to share their stories with a larger audience.

The event was presided over by local celebrities, including an expert on conflict-resolution Imam Prasodjo, television presenter Shanaz Haq and actress Ayu Dyah Pasha. There was a special performance on Day Two by top Indonesian pop star D'Masif, after he learned via Twitter that his hit song was the soundtrack to ASKOBI’s video depicting the terror that has struck Indonesia over the years.  It was an amazing show of support for all victims of terror.

Our next event will take place in Pakistan and is currently being planned for later this month.  More details coming soon.

If you want to plan your own event, please let us know !  We will be happy to help you speak truth to terror.