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Mindanao at the SEACSN Conference in Penang |
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Written by Ayesah Abubakar
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Tuesday, 20 January 2004 |
The Mindanao Conflict gained utmost attention where three Mindanao Panel Sessions and a Mindanao Informal Discussion were held at the Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN) Regional Conference at the Shangri-la Hotel in Penang from January 12-15,2004. Prominent scholars and peace advocates, like Soliman Santos, Carmen Abubakar, Miriam Ferrer, Jamail Kamlian, Abhoud Syed Lingga among others, were present and delivered their own studies on various aspects of the Mindanao case story. The Research & Education for Peace Unit of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM) also presented a photo exhibit of the impact of the recent armed conflict in February 2003 and featured its own Mindanao Peace Program.
The SEACSN Conference, a culmination of the three-year phase 1 of the Network, gathered all scholars/ academics, non-government organizations, students, and other individuals actively involved in conflict resolution and peace work in the Southeast Asian region. There were at least 130 papers presented that discussed a wide range of topics like gender issues, environment, Islam in Southeast Asia, public policy, land issues, human security, terrorism, regional security, and many others that require in-depth study and immediate intervention. The opening ceremony was officiated by former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid or "Gus Dur" who also delivered the keynote speech. Gus Dur emphasized that Mindanao has to be viewed as part of the Islamic world and its history. And that this context has to be recognized by everyone involved in resolving the Mindanao situation.
 The author (center) with her fellow delegates to the SEACSN Conference.
The SEACSN is a network of individuals and institutions involved in Peace and Conflict Resolution research and practice. It was established in May 2001 with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), through its Department of Research Cooperation (SAREC). In Malaysia, the Research & Education for Peace Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM) serves as the Network's Regional Office. REPUSM is headed by Associate Professor Dr. Kamarulzaman Askandar who also sits as SEACSN's Regional Coordinator.
The uniqueness of SEACSN is that the idea of a network originated from within the region and involves mainly regional actors working with each other to find peace resolutions to the problems of Southeast Asia. The SEACSN partners recognize the contribution that they can make to each other and to the field of peace and conflict studies. Lastly, it is hoped that the SEACSN will create a positive impact on the conflict
situations in the region.
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