Conflict Transformation Radio Programme

"Meski berbeda, betah bersama (We may be different but we like to be together)" is the motto of Menteng Pangkalan, Indonesia's first ever radio drama about conflict and conflict transformation, called Menteng Pangkalan.

Internationally Search For Comon Ground has found that radio drama is one of the best ways of encouraging positive behaviour change in relation to difference and conflict. This is no less the case in Indonesia, where radio is the media with probably the largest audience, and where radio drama has a long and strong tradition. Our experience shows that the media - often blamed for fueling conflict - can play a proactive role in defusing tensions by employing solutions-oriented methodologies to foment greater understanding and popularise tolerance, rather than division. For these reasons, Common Ground Indonesia has developed this conflict resolution radio programme, Menteng Pangkalan.

Menteng Pangkalan is a soap opera broadcast three times per week since January 2002, on over 135 radios all over Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua. Each episode is 24 minutes long (designed for a 30-minute timeslot, allowing for advertising breaks and intros, etc.). While making sure that Menteng Pangkalan is entertaining and flavoured with complicated love stories, real daily incidents and events and fresh jokes, the radio soap opera aims to:

• Increase the amount, and circulation of practical information on skills to solve community conflicts,



• Promote dialogue at the community level



• Increase the capacity of local communities to solve conflicts by using conflict resolution tools,



• Create entertaining and informative programme mix.

For more details go to:

• How we do the Background and Research



• The Characters and Issues covered



• Theme Song, Lyrics in English and List of Radios Broadcasting Menteng Pangkalan

Contact Persons:

Dewi Watson
Media Programme Manager
E-mail: dwatson@indocg.org

Ging Ginanjar
Radio Programme Officer
E-mail: ging@indocg.org

Mahfudh Marzuki
Assistant Radio Programme Officer