How Peace Tourism Involves Youth in Peacebuilding: Examples from Maluku-Indonesia?

Abstract

This study aims to describe peace tourism involving youth to fill the peacebuilding gap after the Ambon-Maluku conflict. Peace tourism in many places focuses on the role of the private sector, government, and the international community without involving youth. Polarization in society strengthened due to the presidential elections of the Republic of Indonesia in 2014 and 2019, and the Jakarta governor election in 2017, thus exacerbating the peacebuilding gap. This research uses qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and literature study. The results of the study show that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) together with national and local institutions carried out peace tourism on January 25–30, 2018. They chose 120 youth, and 82.5% came from outside Maluku Province. Peace tourism involves visiting locations where conflicts occur and attending the 35th world peace gong. For example, the Red-White Bridge, Batu Merah, and Passo villages were discussed with Islamic and Christian leaders, journalists, youth communities that care about peace, and others. During peace tourism, youth are enthusiastic about learning about the history of conflict and influencing communities to restore social relations. After the peace tour, they return to their area to become peacekeepers. Unfortunately, this program is not sustainable.

Keywords

• youth
• peace tourism
• peacebuilding
• conflict ambon