In the words of Nuryati: We advocate for survivors of domestic abuse

Nuryati, 45, is a mother of three and a native of Pengasinan, Depok, West Java, in Indonesia. She participates in the Desa Damai (Peace Village) program, an initiative by the Wahid Foundation supported by UN Women and the Government of the Netherlands. She has been actively involved in the Wahid Foundation’s capacity-building program for peace activists since 2017. Through this program, she has been motivated to lead one of the working groups, helping her community address domestic abuse cases by reporting them to local authorities through the TRC (Tim Respon Cepat or “Fast Responder Team”). 

In our community, people used to be distrustful of those who were different, particularly in how they practiced their faith. This often led to reactive behaviors that would escalate into conflicts. However, after the Desa Damai program was introduced, we began to recognize and understand the kinds of provocative messages that incite conflict. We’ve learned to pause and think before resorting to force as a reaction. 

I am deeply grateful to be part of this program. I was entrusted with leading a pokja (working group), and within its Tim Respon Cepat (TRC), I collaborated with other volunteers to ensure that domestic violence reports in our community received attention and assistance from the authorities. We also supported and advocated for the survivors. When they seek help, we accompany them through the processes because it’s daunting to go through that alone.

Since joining the Desa Damai program, my confidence has grown significantly. The program taught us important life skills, like public speaking, and I now feel comfortable addressing an audience. I even picked up leadership positions in community initiatives. Even at home, I have transformed from a shy housewife into someone who speaks her mind and contributed to our household decision-making. I’ve also noticed that other members of the Peace Team have experienced similar transformations after participating in this program. 

The Desa Damai program has already contributed to promoting peace and harmony in our community, but it is a process that we need to keep working on. For example, violent conflicts also emerged around schools. I learned from my youngest son that the problems surrounding youth — such as alcohol and drug use —are on the rise and will lead to more student fights if these issues are unaddressed. I feel compelled to take action as another way to build peace in our community, perhaps by speaking to students at junior high schools in my area of Pengasinan. 

My wish is for the Desa Damai program to be adopted by the government because I believe it is an excellent initiative that can bring lasting benefits to our community.