Biography Narrative

Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh Wahid, publicly known in Indonesia as Alissa Wahid, is a trained family psychologist, but is most recognised for her work in the social sector on multiculturalism, democracy and human rights and moderate Muslim movements in Indonesia. She currently focuses on leadership development for interreligious youth leaders.

She is the National Director of Gusdurian Network Indonesia (GNI), named after her late father, President Abdurrahman Wahid who is also known as Gus Dur. GNI hosts thousands of grassroots-level activists in more than 100 cities in Indonesia, working to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, active citisenship, democracy and human rights. GNI is known for its work at the local level, for example the 2015 International Day for Tolerance that took place in 50 cities.

Interreligious Activities and Initiatives

CAPACITY BUILDING IN LEADERSHIP & INTERFAITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR YOUNG LEADERS FROM FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION IN INDONESIA.

Many interfaith initiatives engaging youth leaders focus on the interfaith/theological aspects. Participants learn about one another and cooperate. But many of this projects do not transform into a sustainable initiative, because participants are not prepared/facilitated to learn about managing and leading an initiative or a group.

Indonesia is heading toward an era of demographic dividend in 2028. The productive populations would be around 140 millions in these era. With current challenges of majoritarianism and populism that polarize the society, it is imperative to prepare the youth to take leadership roles in society. This would be an important investment for Indonesia’s future.

This project aims to develop the capacity for the youth leaders in aspects of initiating, managing and leading an interfaith initiative at their local community.