Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada, since 2014 has been conducting research which focuses on two main problems that cause the increase of intolerance act in Yogyakarta after the reform. According to the research, the first cause is locked diplomacy among religious and beliefs groups in Yogyakarta. The locked diplomacy refers to each group situation where they make a barrier to communicate and share perspective among each other. The second problem is the increase of radicalism reproduction issue among the young generation in Yogyakarta. The research shows in the past few years, there have been several new incubators as a place for the intolerant behavior to groom among the young people.
Started from the research, Department of Sociology UGM holds several events with Jogja Istimewa, Bhinneka Tanpa Prasangka (Special Yogyakarta, Unity without Prejudice) as its theme. The Secretary of the Department, Hakimul Ikhwan, Ph.D. said, one of the events is a series of workshops which focusses on opening the blockage in the diplomacy among various elements in the community.
“The series of workshops consist of a workshop with the pluralist group, workshop with Islamic group, and a joint workshop with the two groups and policy-maker,” said Hakim.
Department of Sociology also holds two other events which are targeting the youths in using creative media and experiencing diversity. The workshop on creative media is held to stimulate their awareness on intolerance and diversity issues. In addition, they are given training to enhance their capacity in campaigning for peace and humanity in the community. Meanwhile, experiencing diversity means directly experiencing diversity across religions, ethnicities, tribes, and groups among the youths.