Jakarta, December 17, 2025
With a clear mission to transform conflict into collaboration and reduce violence in Indonesia, Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia (YCGI) was officially launched today on December 17, 2025 in Jakarta. The launch marked the formal transition from Search for Common Ground (Search), an international organization that has worked in Indonesia since 2002 and concluded its national operations at the end of December 2025.
As part of this transition, Search entrusted its mission and legacy to YCGI to continue under Indonesian leadership. The event brought together long standing partners from government institutions, donor agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and former colleagues to reaffirm a shared mission and sustained collaboration in advancing peacebuilding across Indonesia.
Opening the gathering, Gracia Respati, the Program Manager of YCGI, noted that the occasion was both a moment of appreciation and a bridge toward the future. She emphasized that while Search for Common Ground Indonesia is concluding its legal presence, the values, partnerships, and approaches cultivated over more than two decades will continue through Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia, guided by the spirit of bridging social cohesion through multipartiality.
In her reflection, From Search to YCGI: Continuing the Journey, Hani Samantha, MEL Manager of YCGI, traced Search for Common Ground’s roots since its founding in 1982 and its work in Indonesia since 2002. She recalled early efforts focused on dialogue, mediation, and rebuilding trust in post conflict settings, followed by long term collaboration with the Directorate General of Corrections beginning in 2009. Over the years, Search worked closely with government partners, donors, and civil society to reduce violence, promote accountability and inclusion, support disengagement and reintegration, strengthen women’s participation and interfaith cooperation, engage youth and indigenous communities, and advance tolerance, freedom of religion and belief, and protection of marginalized groups’ rights. She explained that YCGI has been reactivated to continue this work as a national peacebuilding organization, with program highlights and learning resources to be shared through its website.
Representing the Legacy Team, Bahrul Wijaksana, who is also the Board of Advisor of YCGI, reflected on multipartiality and non-adversarial engagement as living practices rather than abstract concepts. He emphasized that Indonesian society holds strong potential to find common ground through open and honest conversation. He noted that identity is never singular and that recognizing complexity is essential to reducing polarization. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening community level engagement and responsible media to counter misinformation and disinformation, particularly in an era shaped by rapid technological change.
A special address from Search regional leadership was delivered by Rajendra Mulmi, who placed the Indonesian experience within a global perspective. He shared lessons from countries facing conflict and social division, and explained that Search defines success as building strong local capacity until international organizations are no longer needed. He highlighted key legacies of Search Indonesia, including creative media initiatives, and clarified that while Search will no longer operate legally in Indonesia, YCGI will carry forward the mission as an independent foundation inspired by the same values and approaches. He expressed strong confidence in YCGI’s leadership and board.
The formal launch of YCGI was announced by Anis Hamim, who is also the Executive Director of YCGI. He introduced YCGI as a national peacebuilding organization dedicated to advancing social cohesion across religious and generational divides, using multipartiality as the foundation for conflict transformation. He reaffirmed YCGI’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical practice, alongside a renewed focus on stronger local ownership, more agile programming, wider collaboration with national funders and the private sector, and expanded access to learning resources.
Partners then shared reflections on their long standing collaboration with Search and their support for YCGI. Nadine from Indika Foundation shared strong appreciation for the partnership. “Search has been a committed and impactful partner,” she said. “What we value most is not only the results of the projects, but the way Search consistently invested in strengthening partner capacity beyond project activities. There was always openness to reflect, acknowledge mistakes, and learn together. That approach is rare and deeply meaningful, and we are confident it will continue through YCGI.”
Support from donors and international partners was also expressed. Ade Ganie from AIPJ shared, “We see strong potential for future collaboration, especially in engaging civil society organizations as resource persons. Australia remains interested in supporting this type of engagement.” Chelsey from the Dutch Embassy added, “This transition reflects how Search’s impact has always been wide and long lasting. I warmly welcome this new chapter represented by Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia.”
Private sector partners echoed optimism for the future. Bernie from Meta Indonesia noted, “There is sadness in seeing Search leave Indonesia, but there is also hope in knowing that its legacy continues through YCGI. Dialogue and common ground are more important than ever as polarization grows.”
The transition from Search for Common Ground Indonesia to Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia was marked through a symbolic photo session with Search regional leadership and YCGI representatives.
With the launch of Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia, partners reaffirmed a shared commitment to bridging social cohesion through multipartiality, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts in Indonesia and the wider region remain inclusive, collaborative, and firmly rooted in local leadership.
