Damai Pangkal Damai (DPD) is a nonviolence database project and campaign initiated by the Institute of International Studies. Its name can be loosely translated as Peace through Nonviolent Means, with a tip of the hat to Johan Galtung’s “peace by peaceful means” approach. DPD’s database records nonviolent actions that have taken place in Indonesia throughout Reformasi (the post-Suharto era, 1998 onwards).

Meanwhile, DPD’s campaign focuses on disseminating information and analyses regarding the 198 methods of waging conflicts nonviolently, as introduced by Gene Sharp in 1973.

Commencing in August 2021, DPD will publish monthly reflections on nonviolent resistance in Indonesia and worldwide, with the hope that the publications can serve as a useful resource to those who are committed to strengthening democracies. DPD believes that consolidation to democracy should only be furthered through strengthening the structures that underpin democracy (free and fair elections, separation of power, etc.) but also through fortifying the cultural components of democracy — including the civil society’s and the state’s preference and skills in resolving conflicts through non-violent means.