Peacebuilding Program

PROPOSOKU: Empowering Communities in Overcoming Violent Extremism in Poso

September 1, 2025

6 Min. Read

Photo 1: Tamajeka Village — Once a Conflict Zone, Now a Symbol of a New Beginning
A forested settlement that once served as a base for armed groups.

Since 2022, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation has been implementing the PROPOSOKU Program in Poso, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, in collaboration with The Habibie Center and the Institute for Strengthening Civil Society in Poso (LPMS). This program supports individuals disengaging from violent extremism and reintegrating into society.

The term 'PROPOSOKU' combines 'PRO' (support), 'POSO' (the region), and 'SOKU' (family), symbolizing the program’s philosophy of supporting families in Poso. It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at helping former violent extremists and their families reintegrate as members of the community.

The program caters not only to former inmates but also their spouses, recognizing the latter’s influence within the household and critical role in reconnecting with the community. By supporting spouses, the program assists in reshaping family dynamics and strengthening community ties.

Why Poso Matters: A Region Scarred by Conflict, Ready for Change

Poso, located in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, has a population of approximately 200,000. Between 1998 and 2001, violent religious and ethnic conflicts between Christians and Muslims resulted in around 1,000 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands. Although the Malino Agreement temporarily restored peace, deep divisions and mistrust remain.

In the late 2000s, extremist groups such as the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) began operating in Poso, reigniting violence. These groups exploited historical grievances and Muslim victimhood narratives to gain local sympathy. Radicalization in Poso often spread through family and community networks. The funeral of a MIT leader, attended by thousands, highlighted the widespread local sympathy for the violent extremist group. Religious and geographic divisions persist, making trustbuilding between Muslim and Christian communities a major challenge.

Military intervention and correction of understandings of religious teaching alone have proven insufficient. There is a need for psychosocial support tailored to the needs of former combatants reintegrating into society, as well as community-wide efforts to eliminate stigma and promote comprehensive disengagement. The PROPOSOKU Program was launched to address these challenges.

Map 1: Location of Poso in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Our Approach: Healing Minds and Rebuilding Communities

PROPOSOKU adopts a psychosocial approach that promotes change through psychological and social support. It begins with personal reflection and emotional adjustment, rebuilds relationships with family and community, and ultimately aims to restore the participants’ sense of identity and belongingness in society.

Key changes emphasized include:
- Improved relationships with family and neighbors
- Promoting interaction with people of different religions and cultures
- Transitioning from passive recipients to active participants in the community
- Fostering mutual recognition of others’ existence and values
- Reidentifying oneself as a community member rather than an extremist
- Shifting values from violence to dialogue and cooperation

How It Works: Skills, Engagement, and Personalized Support

The program consists of three components:

1. Training (6 sessions):
Participants gain practical skills essential for reintegration into society, including interpersonal communication, leadership and followership, social media use, negotiation and persuasion, financial literacy, and online business.

2. Extracurricular Activities (9 practical sessions):
Participants engage with society through local events and product exhibitions. At the recent Poso Lake Festival, they showcased their creations and interacted with residents.

3. Individual Support:
Monthly home visits and mentoring sessions address each participant’s psychological and social challenges in a personalized manner.

Photos 2 & 3: Empowerment Workshops for Former Inmates and Their Families

Photo 4: Showcasing Local Talent at the Poso Lake Festival

Who We Reach and What We’ve Achieved

From 2022 to 2025, 129 individuals (62 former inmates and 67 spouses) received direct support. Additionally, 167 family members (79 adults and 88 children) benefited indirectly, and approximately 35,000 residents across 8 districts in Poso were positively impacted.

To evaluate psychological changes among participants, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation engaged Dr. Michael Williams, a leading expert in evaluation for preventing and countering violent extremist. He developed a theory of change, designed questionnaires, and analyzed quantitative data.

Based on data from 2023 and 2024, significant improvements were observed in key indicators to assess successful disengagement: resilience increased by 41.3% among former combatants and 28.4% among spouses; sense of purpose improved by 23.9% and 16.0%, respectively; self-esteem rose by approximately 23% for both groups; and support for extremist ideologies decreased by 23.4%.

Chart 2: Measuring Change — Insights from Dr. Michael Williams
Key Indicators: Resilience, Purpose, Self-Esteem, and Reduced Extremism

What Makes PROPOSOKU Unique

- Focus on Women’s Roles:

Spouses of former inmates play a crucial role in shaping family values and connecting with the community. PROPSOKU’s support enables them to become catalysts for change.

- Diverse Support Network:

A network of over 60 stakeholders—including disability groups, village leaders, religious organizations, women’s groups, and local entrepreneurs—has been established. Interfaith cooperation has facilitated reconciliation between Muslim and Christian communities.

- Economic Empowerment:

Participants receive technical training, financial support, and market development assistance to support income-generating activities. The goal is for all participants to engage in business activities.

Progress So Far and What Comes Next

Since the program’s inception, there have been no reported cases of participants returning to extremist groups or being re-arrested. Community safety and cohesion have improved. Participants have experienced a shift in values—from isolation to cooperation, and from mistrust to trust—and now participate in community events across religious and ethnic lines.

Future plans include policy recommendations to the National Counterterrorism Agency, transferring program operations to local governments and NGOs, and promoting civil society engagement.

PROPOSOKU is not a temporary aid initiative but a long-term effort to build sustainable peace rooted in the community. Expansion to other regions is also under consideration.

Watch the PROPOSOKU Story

Please watch the YouTube video produced by The Habibie Center about the PROPOSOKU Program.

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PROPOSOKU: Empowering Communities in Overcoming Violent Extremism in Poso

Why Poso Matters: A Region Scarred by Conflict, Ready for Change

Our Approach: Healing Minds and Rebuilding Communities

How It Works: Skills, Engagement, and Personalized Support

Who We Reach and What We’ve Achieved

What Makes PROPOSOKU Unique

- Focus on Women’s Roles:

- Diverse Support Network:

- Economic Empowerment:

Progress So Far and What Comes Next

Watch the PROPOSOKU Story

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