UN Women film and book celebrate the women building peace in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Author: Yoomi Jun

Jakarta, Indonesia — From the struggle for national independence to recovery from communal violence and natural disasters, the women of Indonesia have bridged divides, protected the vulnerable, and ensured that peace is not only restored but sustained for future generations.

Central Sulawesi stands as one of the most powerful examples of this long peacebuilding legacy. The province has experienced both violent conflicts, most notably the Poso conflict from 1998 to 2000, and naturally induced disasters including earthquakes and a tsunami in 2018. During these trials, local women-focused organizations such as LiBu Perempuan have promoted reconciliation, countered extremist ideologies, and provided safe spaces for survivors to heal.

To honour their leadership, UN Women on 19 September launched Harapan Baru – New Hope: Women’s Peace Movement in Central Sulawesi, a documentary film and storybook that offer intimate portraits of women peacebuilders who have chosen solidarity over silence and demonstrated what women can do for their communities in times of difficulty.

Representatives of the Government, development aid partners, civil society and youth groups, academia and the media attended the film launch at a movie theatre in Jakarta. A public screening was held the next day.

The launch commemorated the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which called for the increased participation and leadership of women in ensuring peace and security.

Indonesia has implemented the resolution through the National Action Plan for the Protection and Empowerment of Women and Children during Social Conflicts and the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Both plans highlight gender equality and women’s leadership as essential to sustainable peace.

Martince Baleona, one of the women peacebuilders featured in the documentary, said at the launch event: “As survivors and peacebuilders in Poso, we often felt our grass-roots contributions were overlooked, even though they were essential behind landmark peace agreements. This documentary feels like the highest recognition of our struggles and resilience, reminding us to continue empowering women so no one is left behind.”

Said Lilik Kurniawan, Deputy for Coordination of Disaster Management and Social Conflict, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs: "Central Sulawesi's experience demonstrates that women are not only present as survivors, but also as drivers of social reconciliation and peacekeepers. The government … continues to encourage a stronger role for women in the peace process and social recovery.”

The event also featured a discussion with representatives from Central Sulawesi, including community leaders, local government representatives, male leaders and a youth activist.

Zainal, Secretary of Pesaku Village in Central Sulawesi, said that WE NEXUS, a new programme jointly run by UN Women and the non-governmental organization Yayasan CARE Peduli, has introduced a gender perspective to his village’s work.

“With their own way and charm, women can minimize and prevent conflicts from occurring. Women are mediators in all aspects of our life and we must extend our outreach to give voices to women, allow them to participate and enjoy the rights they have,” said Zainal, who uses one name only.

The event closed with a call for governments, donors and communities to provide sustained support to women’s organizations that are driving change on the ground.

Ulzii Jamsran, UN Women Indonesia Representative and Liaison to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said, “We must continue to invest in women’s agency, ensure that their leadership is recognized and resourced, and create enabling spaces where grass-roots voices shape national and regional peace agendas.”