Background

The concept of “polarization” is elusive and is highly contested. It is also often contextual, depending on where one stands and on what issues. Polarization comprises multidimensional aspects of life and living, including the political, social, cultural and economic fields, and hence generates discontentment and resentment. Polarization can be observed throughout the world with different levels in each country and region. While some countries are mildly polarized, others are entrenched in toxic or pernicious forms of polarization, which bring to mind the possibility of social conflicts, revolutions and secessionism and even civil wars.

The nature of problem of polarization has therefore not been fully comprehended. Nor have the manifestations and implications of polarization been thoroughly investigated. What is more, the various mitigation measures, strategies and policies on (de)polarization have yet been recognized.

Along with many partners, the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS) has been engaging in research on polarization in Indonesia since early 2023. This is part of the larger project by the Ford Foundation on the “Global Initiatives on Polarization”, which composes tens of grantees and partners from around the world that are working on polarization and how to mitigate it. Many of these partners are located in the Southern Hemisphere, in regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. ICRS also participated in the Grantees Convening Workshop in Cali, Columbia, in February 2024, where participants shared their ideas, insights, methodologies and experiences in dealing with polarization.

It is for this reason that ICRS plans to convene an Unconference entitled “Polarization and Its Discontent in the Global South: Mitigation Measures, Strategies and Policies”. The Unconference will take place in UGM in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 24-25 April 2025. 

What is an Unconference?

An Unconference is a participant-driven event that differs from conventional conferences by allowing attended to shape the agenda and discussions. Some of the key characteristics of an Unconference are as follows:

1. Empowerment of Participants: Participants are empowered to propose and select session topics during the event. This method fosters engagement and ensures that discussions are relevant to the participants’ interests and goals.

2. Knowledge Exchange: An Unconference focuses more on knowledge exchange and insight sharing as opposed to having ‘experts’ imparting knowledge and insights to participants through formal, distanced presentations.

3. Relaxed Atmosphere: An Unconference tends to create a more relaxed atmosphere that hopes to inspire conversations and open dialogs between and among participants.

4. Move Your Feet: An Unconference encourages participants to move around the venue and work around the available space.

5. Community Building: An Unconference fosters collaboration and forges community and network building. It is therefore expected that upon the completion of the event, participants get to know each other well and collaborate in the future.