Makassar, June 30, 2025 — Professor Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, Leader of the Peace, Conflict, and Democracy Research Group and founder of the Center for Peace, Conflict, and Democracy at Universitas Hasanuddin, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Youth Peace Conference (United for Peace 2025), held on Saturday, June 30, 2025, at the LPPM Hall of Universitas Hasanuddin.
This conference was part of the United for Peace 2025 program—a series of initiatives and actions driven by networks of individuals and civil society organizations in commemoration of the International Day of Peace and Tolerance. The movement aims to unite community forces to raise awareness and promote public participation in addressing the challenges of conflict and violence. The event was attended by young individuals and youth organizations passionate about peacebuilding. It served as a platform for sharing ideas, fostering collaboration, and inspiring youth involvement in peace efforts.
In her keynote address, Prof. Dwia shared insights from her extensive experience in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive, inclusive, and non-militaristic approaches, highlighting the need for empowerment and equitable development as cornerstones of sustainable peace strategies in Indonesia. Prof. Dwia also reflected on her tenure as Rector of Universitas Hasanuddin, during which she championed initiatives addressing conflict, such as the National Community Service Program (KKN Kebangsaan) in conflict-affected areas like Poso, Miangas, and Sebatik. She recounted a memorable moment during one such program, where she joined students in a creative activity with local children. One particularly striking story involved a Muslim child coloring a picture of a church, with Prof. Dwia by their side. According to her, this simple yet powerful activity represented a creative method of teaching tolerance to the younger generation. “We need creative ways like this to teach peace to young people. Peace is not just about ending violence—it’s about building understanding from an early age,” she remarked.
The insights shared by Prof. Dwia served as an inspiration to the participants, encouraging young peacebuilders to work with passion, empathy, and strategic thinking in their efforts to foster peace in their communities and beyond.
