Community Reception in Poso
Poso has experienced many years of conflict, so its communities are understandably cautious when former terrorist inmates return. However, some initiatives have helped break down these barriers.
Initial Community Attitudes
When former terrorist inmates first return, they often find that people around them are reluctant to engage. These individuals might avoid communication, making it hard for terrorist inmates to fully rejoin society. In Desa Lape, people initially avoided Udin and did not engage with his efforts to reintegrate. Over time, this changed thanks to targeted initiatives.
Breaking Barriers through Social Engagement
In Poso, collaboration between local leaders, civil society groups, and religious figures has been key in changing attitudes. By engaging both former terrorist inmates and the wider community in social activities, trust was slowly rebuilt. The Konsorsium Reintegrasi in Poso played a key role in organizing community meetings and events to encourage dialogue between former terrorist inmates and their communities, which helped ease tension and foster acceptance.