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Indonesia: Restorative Justice for Healing a Divided Society

Ruth-Heffelbower, Duane
June 4, 2015

Source: Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies.

The modern Restorative Justice (RJ) movement began in North America as an approach to crime, and in New Zealand as an approach to child welfare issues. Both were based on the communal experience familiar to villagers worldwide. Societies which cannot afford to lock up those who violate societal norms have traditionally used restorative methods to return people to productive life in the community. Over the past 20 years or so certain principles of restorative justice have been recognized. These principles have been applied to criminal behavior, child welfare, school discipline, personnel management, and other areas of human interaction. In this paper the author explores the use of these principles for healing a large and deeply divided society, the country of Indonesia. The paper uses theory developed through years of practical application, and examines current efforts to apply the principles to various aspects of Indonesia’s crises.

Tags:

AbstractAsiaPost-Conflict ReconciliationRJ in Schools
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