Duration: November 2015 – February 2017
Location: Bali
Status: Completed
Overview
Mabesikan—a Balinese word meaning together—was an 18-month initiative designed to promote conflict prevention and reconciliation in Bali through contemporary art. The project addressed social tensions rooted in land and resource disputes, gender-based violence, and identity conflicts by using art as a medium for dialogue and social transformation.
Implemented through capacity-building and collaboration between Balinese artists and civil society organizations, Mabesikan sought to strengthen peaceful coexistence and raise public awareness of non-violent conflict resolution. Artists and activists worked together to translate complex social issues into accessible art forms, including comedy, theater, visual art, and contemporary music.
Context
While Bali is widely known for its cultural richness and peaceful image, underlying tensions persist over identity, gender, and resource inequality. Rapid development, land disputes, and social prejudice have contributed to rising cases of violence and social fragmentation. Traditional spaces for dialogue have weakened, limiting opportunities for communities to resolve differences constructively.
Recognizing the potential of art as a universal language for peace, Mabesikan tapped into Bali’s vibrant artistic community to promote understanding across divides. By bridging creative expression with social advocacy, the initiative positioned art not just as culture—but as a catalyst for conflict transformation and collective healing.
Objectives
- Enhance the capacity of Balinese artists to promote conflict prevention and reconciliation through art.
- Strengthen civil society organizations to collaborate with artists in addressing social and identity-based conflicts.
- Create inclusive spaces for dialogue on land, gender, and identity issues through art-led forums and festivals.
Key Activities
- Workshops on gender, land, and identity conflicts, and conflict management strategies.
- Seed grants for joint social ventures between artists and local CSOs.
- Mabesikan Forums to foster community dialogue on social conflicts.
- Mabesikan Festival to showcase art as a medium for peacebuilding.
Impact
Mabesikan successfully demonstrated how art can foster dialogue and reconciliation among divided communities. Over 63% of forum participants reported improved ability to engage in cross-group discussions, and 77.8% said they gained deeper understanding of the root causes of local conflicts.
The forums also provided inclusive spaces for women’s voices—66.7% of female participants felt free to express their views, compared to 42.9% of men—reflecting a positive gender balance in participation and leadership. Participants valued the interactive methods, creative exchange, and practical conflict resolution tools shared during the sessions.
Through performances, exhibitions, and public events, Mabesikan increased public awareness of non-violent approaches to conflict, inspiring new collaborations between artists and civil society. The project proved that art, when combined with community dialogue, can be a powerful vehicle for social change, inclusion, and peace in Bali.
