Media Article by Two UIII Students on the Mindanao Peace Process

UIII, MINDANAO - The Jakarta Post presents a scholarly analysis of the post-conflict situation in Mindanao, Philippines, written by Yudi Zulfahri and Nizar Lukman, two outstanding political science students at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia's Faculty of Social Sciences (FoSS).

Beyond the usual journalistic fare, this opinion piece delves deeply into the political, social, and economic aspects of the Bangsamoro people's fight for independence and Indonesia's possible involvement in determining the post-conflict course of events in the area.

The writers provide the groundwork for their academic work by placing it in a historical perspective, following the long struggle for independence and freedom of the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao. In 2018, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) finally reached a peace accord after decades of talks, marking a watershed event in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This historical context is described in great detail to set the stage for the analytical investigation that follows.

Yudi Zulfahri and Nizar Lukman deftly sidestep the typical narratives that emerge in the aftermath of war by embracing Martina Fischer's analytical framework. Aiming to prevent future conflicts, the writers skilfully frame post-conflict healing as a process beyond physical repair. By maintaining this theoretical perspective throughout the piece, the authors take the discussion to a more scholarly level and give the reader a framework to understand the complexities of post-conflict healing.

Including Indonesia as a pivotal character in the storyline serves to heighten its global scope. The authors present Indonesia in a subtle light as a possible "honest broker" in the Mindanao context by comparing it to Indonesia's performance in the Aceh reconciliation process since 2005 and referencing Maj. Gen. Jaakko Oksanen's support of Indonesia's skills in conflict reconciliation. Academic sophistication is enhanced by this strategic maneuver, which demonstrates a keen grasp of global dynamics and historical precedence.

With the help of the Non-Violent Peace force, the writers launched a community engagement program in Mindanao, proving once again their dedication to empirical knowledge. This practical effort, representative of qualitative research methods, demonstrates the writers' commitment to incorporating Bangsamoro people's real-life experiences and viewpoints into their scholarly work. By actively engaging with the actual world, researchers may provide a practical perspective to their theoretical study, keeping the story anchored in the experiences of the people impacted.

Yudi Zulfahri and Nizar Lukman's article provides a narrative on Mindanao's rehabilitation from the war as well as an analysis of worldwide repercussions. Understanding the complex dynamics of post-conflict landscapes is facilitated by the rich tapestry that the essay explores, which is of interest to researchers, international players, and policymakers.

The Faculty of Social Science at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia stands out in the intellectual scene as a place where scholars work towards making a real difference in society. It is a testament to the academic rigor imposed by the faculty that the writers can synthesize theoretical frameworks, empirical engagement, and strategic policy suggestions.

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