Workshop on Community-Based Rehabilitation and Reintegration against Violent Extremism

Yogyakarta, 13 August 2024 – INITIATE.MY had the opportunity to take part in a three-day workshop centred around “Community-Based Rehabilitation and Reintegration against Violent Extremism,” which was organised by the South East Asian Network of Civil Society Organisations (SEAN-CSO). This workshop brought together representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia, who work in the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for individuals involved in violent extremism.

During the workshop, key organisations such as Empatiku Foundation, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, PeaceGeneration (PeaceGen) Indonesia, Duay Jai Group and IMAN Research shared their valuable insights on community-based rehabilitation and reintegration (CBRR). The aim was to foster a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions faced in the programme, with a particular focus on incorporating soft approaches, creating safe spaces for returnees, and advocating for the provision of second chances, regardless of individual’s religious beliefs and ideologies.

Falisha Aufiya, Project Officer at INITIATE.MY, presented the specific challenges encountered by former security detainees upon release from prison, which are unique to the Malaysian context. This presentation provided the key challenges faced by the former security detainees in Malaysia for the attendees. The challenges included social stigma, fractured family relationships and limited socioeconomic opportunities due to unsuccessful reintegration. Therefore, inter-agency coordination, cooperation with civil society and specialised training for government officials are important to improve support structures and promote successful reintegration.

Participants from Indonesia and the Philippines emphasised the need to address community stigma and foster acceptance for returnees. Rather than trying to change returnees’ beliefs, these initiatives focus on creating supportive environments that allow them to engage socially with the community members, find employment, and contribute positively to the community. This approach strengthens social cohesion and empowers individuals to redefine their roles in society.

For Malaysian CSOs, including INITIATE.MY, these examples underscore the positive impact of enhancing community-based rehabilitation and reintegration efforts by prioritising public perceptions and creating avenues for meaningful community involvement. Adopting these strategies could be instrumental in strengthening Malaysia’s deradicalisation programme in line with the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE).