Oral 8

[O-8-01] Preventing subculture fanaticism and promote healthy conflict resolution among adolescents: a pilot project in 100 Indonesian youths

*Nur Ihsanti Amalia^1,2, Puspita Alwi¹, Utari Dwi Zaharani¹, Syifa Khairunnisa¹ (1.Sehat Jiwa(Indonesia), 2.University of Auckland(New Zealand))

Keywords:

Adolescents,Mental health,Social-emotional learning,Conflict resolution,Wellbeing curriculum

Indonesia’s rich diversity, with 1,340 ethnic groups and five recognized religions, is a unique asset but also a potential source of social tension. Adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to radicalization due to their developmental needs for belonging and identity formation, making them vulnerable to divisive ideologies and polarization. Prolonged exposure to societal tension can negatively impact their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and strained interpersonal relationships. To address this, it is essential for youth to develop skills for healthy relationships across differences. In late 2022, we launched Bersosial: Socio-emotional Learning for Youth, a pilot program designed to teach tolerance through mental health education. Grounded in the belief that tolerance is fostered through positive intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, the program brought together 100 young participants (ages 18-22) from each province of Indonesia, ensuring the inclusion of ethnic and religious minorities. Over one month, participants engaged in lectures, group discussions, a large forum, and a final project. By the program’s end, 70% had completed the full curriculum. Our findings indicate that prior to the program, 48% of participants struggled to accept differing opinions, and 17% opted for silence over expressing opposing views. Post-program, 82.6% reported improved understanding of conflict resolution, with 67% attributing this to enhanced emotional management skills. Participants also showed progress in managing emotions when faced with opposing perspectives. These outcomes underscore the impact of self-management and conflict resolution skills in diverse settings, forming the core of our Wellbeing Curriculum. By nurturing these abilities, we can empower youth to resist polarization, maintain mental wellness, and contribute to a harmonious society.