Revitalization of Youth Clubs (Karang Taruna) and Scouts (Pramuka) to Strengthen Youth Resilience in Countering Violent Extremism

Karang Taruna (Youth Clubs) and Pramuka (Scouts) have a long history and triumph stories in Indonesia in regard to youth movements and social contributions. Had ever glorious during the New Order (1966-1998), these institutions been gradually becoming less and less favorable among societies and schools. Losing these institutions that can support youth empowerment and social cohesion is truly pitiful, especially against the inrush of radicalism and violent extremism perspectives that peril to youngsters. It is not even a surprise to witness many young people are being radicalized and hold intolerant views, even involved in violent extremism or terrorism acts.

Youth organizations such as Karang Taruna and Pramuka are fundamentally strategic as instrument to enhance social cohesion between youth and pull them to actively contribute in social, economic, and moderate religious activities upon values of humanitarianism, multiculturalism, and nationalism. Karang Taruna and Pramuka both having underlying values and visions to build ethical character and patriotic personality of youth.

In collaboration with the Paramadina Institute of Ethics and Civilization, CONVEY project would like to revitalize the high potential power of Karang Taruna and Pramuka to empower their members and cadres as the agents of peace to counter violent extremism in Indonesia. Jamborees for Pramuka and capacity building for Karang Taruna was held by using a comprehensive module based on thorough assessment first.

Further findings of the assessment can be accessed in the CONVEY Report “Old wine in the New Bottle: Revitalisasi Karang Taruna dan Pramuka untuk Menangkal Ekstremisme-Kekerasan” (Old Wine in the New Bottle: Revitalization of Youth Clubs and Scouts to Counter Violent Extremism).