Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia (YCGI) stands as a sister legacy of Search for Common Ground, a global peacebuilding organization founded in 1982 and active in more than 35 countries worldwide. Search began its work in Indonesia in 2002, responding to the urgent need to reduce violence and strengthen social harmony in one of the world’s most diverse societies.
The journey in Indonesia started with a shared commitment to transform conflict and prevent violence through dialogue and collaboration. Over the years, this work became an integral part of Search Indonesia’s efforts to promote tolerance and mutual understanding. Through collaborative initiatives, leadership development, and innovative technology based programs, partnerships were built with civil society organizations, interfaith groups, government institutions, and law enforcement agencies. Together, these efforts helped restore trust and strengthen solidarity among communities across ethnic and religious differences.
Years of Experience in Indonesia
A significant milestone was reached in 2011 with the establishment of a pioneering collaboration with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, now the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, through the Directorate General of Corrections. This partnership introduced innovative approaches to addressing violent extremism within correctional facilities and supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates into society. The experience reinforced a core belief that sustainable peace requires both strong institutions and resilient communities.
In 2025, after more than two decades of engagement in Indonesia, Search for Common Ground concluded its country office operations. This transition was undertaken with care to protect long standing partnerships, preserve knowledge and methodologies, and ensure the continuity of local capacity.
As part of this process, Yayasan Common Ground Indonesia was formally reactivated as a locally led platform to carry forward Search’s legacy and continue the shared mission of advancing dialogue, collaboration, and inclusive peacebuilding in Indonesia and beyond.
YCGI is a national peacebuilding organization dedicated to advancing social cohesion across faith, culture, and generational divides. Building on more than two decades of peacebuilding experience in Indonesia, YCGI works to transform conflict into collaboration through multipartial and non-adversarial approaches, strengthening communities, institutions, and inclusive partnerships.
