Peacemakers

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Indonesia has been plagued by violent incidents since 1998, triggered by a variety of ills, among them discrimination against ethnic groups, differences of religion and race. Religious intolerance-related violence, for example, has jumped to 30 percent in the past three years. These conflicts have broken out in 16 provinces. Fortunately, given the inadequacy of the central government to provide services, a few good community leaders have been brave enough to mediate and cool down tensions. They preach peace among the adversaries. To commemorate International Day of Peace on September 21, Tempo English presents a report on these courageous people.

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Doctor Tan's Multicultural School

Sofyan Tan turned down what could have been a lucrative medical career to pursue his real dream: to establish an ethnically integrated school in Medan. He got a lot of help along the way.

The bell began to ring at Sultan Iskandar Muda School in Medan, indicating that the afternoon break had arrived. In a flash, the basketball court, cafeteria and playground become full of students. In one quiet corner, three childre

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