Audience by Wahid Foundation at Malang Regent Office

Monday (1/28), the WISE Engagement team from the Wahid Foundation held a meeting at the Malang Regent's office. There were several items on the agenda, some of which were updating WISE activities in Malang, particularly in Kelurahan Candirenggo; looking for program cooperation opportunities between the Wahid Foundation and the Malang regional government; as well as delivering invitations to the book release event of the Standard Operating Procedures of 9 Indicators for Peace Villages/Kelurahans, which was held on February 8, 2019, at Sultan Hotel Jakarta.

The meeting held at the Malang Regency Hall was opened by Visna Vulovik, the Program Manager of WISE Engagement, by presenting the background of the establishment of the Wahid Foundation and the outline of the WISE program where Candirenggo was one of the kelurahans that declared itself a Peace Village/Kelurahan.

Visna explained why Candirenggo is qualified to become a Peace Village. Because of its mutual cooperation, which was already culturally rooted in the village, it has the capability not only to  develop but to be a model for other villages.

Every year the Wahid Foundation conducts research on the role of women. From the results of these studies, it can be seen that the potential of women is vast in possible advantages to supporting peace-building efforts. This is one of the reasons why the Wahid Foundation favored women as the main actors to spread the values of tolerance and peace.

As one of the peace villages assisted by the Wahid Foundation, Kelurahan Candirenggo is involved in all forms of entrepreneurial activities and self-development training. "Women's economic empowerment is one of the efforts to improve family welfare, including active participation of women in the socio-economic activities in the Candirenggo area," said Visna Vulovik. She also stated that the products by the Candirenggo women-led SMEs have been introduced to three countries: Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan.

Regarding what Visna said about women's economic empowerment, Sendy, one of the members of a women’s group assisted by the Wahid Foundation that was in the audience, said the economic factor was one of the benchmarks of family welfare. "At the Wahid Foundation, there is the Cinta Damai (Peace-loving) Cooperative that can be accessed to obtain capital for group members. "Training is also provided by the Wahid Foundation as a supplementary effort to increase women’s capacity to improve their family's economy," added the woman, who is a member of the Kelompok Karya Wanita Bunda women’s group.

Regional Secretary Abdul Qodir, who represented the Regent of Malang, welcomed the audience held by the Wahid Foundation. According to him, what has been done by the Wahid Foundation has been very good in developing the country because the government cannot work alone. "The three Malang Regency development strategies have also been included in the Wahid Foundation's WISE program. They are economic empowerment to alleviate poverty, tourism promotion, and environmental development through Waste Bank activities," Abdul Qodir explained.

After exchanging souvenirs, the meeting continued with a discussion that involved the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service Office (Dinas PPPA), Malang Regency Inspectorate, Civil Registration and Civil Service Office, Malang District Health Service Office, National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol), Head of Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Service Office, Malang Regency Fisheries Service Office, National Population and Family Planning Board, and the Singosari Sub-District Head.

Holidin from the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service Office asked about the possibility of cooperation between the PPPA Service Office and the Wahid Foundation. The question was immediately responded to by Visna. She stated that the PPPA Service Office can play a role in the National Action Plan for the Protection and Empowerment of Women and Children During Social Conflicts that will be executed in Jakarta.  

Several other themes became the subjects of discussion. Dr. Ratih, who came from the Malang District Health Service Office, expected that in the future, there would be a Wahid Foundation program related to nutrition.

Sekar, as the East Java Regional Coordinator for the Wahid Foundation, acknowledged that so far the Wahid Foundation had just visited the service offices related to the Wahid’s programs. "It is not impossible that in the future the Wahid Foundation can support other programs that address the needs of society more broadly," said Sekar.

 By: Ester Pandiangan