IRI Hosts Conference to Promote Reconstruction

January 28, 2003

IRI held a conference in Bali on "Coalitions and Partnerships" to promote the reconstruction of the island following the terrorist bombings of last October. Representatives from more than 50 organizations, including political parties, nongovernmental organizations, religious and cultural groups attended the conference, which was held from January 18 to 19.

Together participants formed a coalition to provide citizens with a means to respond to the crisis. The Bali terrorist attacks have inflicted significant economic damage and raised religious tensions in the predominantly Hindu island.

Though unfamiliar with coalition work, the participants were receptive to the idea of working together to reduce tensions and to promote Bali's reconstruction. The majority of the groups represented at the conference agreed to unite to organize inter-religious dialogues in the months ahead. IRI will assist them in implementing the lessons they learned in community activism.

Prior to the conference, IRI conducted a poll in Bali to explore the causes of mounting tensions and to prioritize a number of possible activities the government may undertake to rebuild the community. IRI presented the findings to the legislature of Bali and to the governor's staff.

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