YOGYAKARTA- Requirements for a mediator of a conflict is neutrality. He has to put aside his own interests, prioritising common interests to reach reconciliation. This was stated by former president Jusuf Kalla (JK) in a seminar and national dialogue on mediation entitled Peace within Conflict Solution in Grha Sabha Pramana (GSP) UGM, Thursday (13/12). The event was organised by Centre for Mediation Indonesia, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada.
“Being a mediator has to be neutral. If not, it will be difficult to reconcile the conflicting parties,” Jusuf Kalla affirmed.
Also, a mediator has to have understanding of the problem, be independent and courageous. He applied these requirements when he became a mediator in several major conflicts in Indonesia, including Poso, Aceh and Ambon.
JK mentioned the conflict that happened so far consisted of two types, conflict between societies and between society and state. In Indonesia, he noted there had been 15 major conflicts emerging, ten of those were due to injustice.
“Of all conflicts, only 4 were resolved peacefully. The rest ended in war, such as the DI/TII, RMS, etc,” he said.
Meanwhile, another speaker from Eka Tjipta Foundation (ETF), G. Sulistiyanto, said that mediation is an alternative solution in resolving a conflict that involves individuals or groups. Mediation is also a solution in industrial conflict, which is in line with government stipulation.
“The nature of mediation is quick, economic and flexible, so the conflicting parties will save time and money,” Sulistiyanto said.
He explained that resolving a business conflict is effective through mediation. Sulistiyanto gave an example of the industrial conflict between Kacang Garuda and Kacang Dua Kelinci companies that were mediated by ETF.
According to Sulistiyanto, up to now ETF in partnership with the Indonesian Mediation Agency (BaMI) has conducted mediation training up to 10 classes, generating 351 mediators. Participants of the training are from business companies, police, judges, prosecutors and government agencies, such as BPKP.
“Mediation is a solutive option as it complies with regulations and is in line with cultural construction that prioritises dialogue,” Sulistiyanto said.