In a significant step toward strengthening civil society collaboration in eastern Indonesia, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC), together with six partner organizations, hosted a two-day workshop in Ambon on May 27–28, 2025, as part of the process of forming Rumah Beta Belajar (RBB). The initiative brought together representatives from leading civil society organizations (CSOs) across Maluku to establish a shared learning platform that supports institutional capacity-building, fosters inclusive leadership, and promotes sustainable, community-driven development in the province’s small island regions. Held at Hotel Amaris, the workshop was co-organized by CTC, Baileo Maluku, MCC, EcoNusa, LMMA Indonesia, Sahari, and Burung Indonesia, and marked a new era of structured collaboration for CSOs working in one of Indonesia’s most ecologically and culturally rich areas.

Maluku’s small islands face mounting socio-ecological pressures, including illegal fishing, degradation of marine ecosystems, and the weakening of customary institutions that have traditionally safeguarded local resource governance. In response to these challenges, the RBB platform is being developed not only as a training space but as a long-term vision—a “shared house” for critical reflection, grassroots innovation, and solidarity among institutions working on the frontlines of conservation, community empowerment, and indigenous rights.

Over the two-day workshop, participants—comprising 20 individuals from diverse backgrounds with balanced gender representation—engaged in a series of interlinked sessions that helped shape the initial development of RBB’s direction. These sessions focused on co-developing training curricula based on local best practices, fostering contextual leadership with attention to gender and generational equity, revitalizing traditional institutions through reflections on Peraturan Negeri and the role of kewang (customary guardians), and advancing community-based economic development and monitoring systems. Discussions also explored how local knowledge, such as sasi, can be integrated with participatory scientific approaches like community mapping.

The dialogue produced key outcomes that reaffirmed collaborative learning as a cornerstone for empowering CSOs to better support indigenous and local communities. Participants committed to building a flexible, inclusive learning space that reflects real community needs and avoids top-down approaches.

One of the most important outcomes was the articulation of RBB’s strategic vision: “To strengthen institutional capacity, collaboration, and the strategic role of civil society organizations in Maluku in addressing the socio-ecological vulnerabilities of small islands, through stronger networks, local leadership development, indigenous-based governance, and sustainable community economic initiatives.” This vision is supported by a roadmap outlining action areas in governance, communication, natural resource management, and community economies.

The workshop also led to the formation of a coordination structure for developing shared learning modules, with responsibilities distributed based on each institution’s strengths. A working team, supported by mentors from CTC, LMMA, and other partners, will guide the module development process. The RBB model underscores the importance of intergenerational leadership and grounded, adaptable approaches that respect local dynamics.

To ensure sustainability, participants agreed on the need for open communication, shared documentation, and regular spaces for reflection. Plans are underway to build a digital learning platform, launch bi-monthly knowledge-sharing sessions, and create a repository of good practices and training materials. These efforts are intended not as one-off events but as part of a long-term commitment to collective growth for greater impact.

The energy and solidarity that emerged in Ambon reflect growing momentum among Maluku’s CSOs to redefine collaboration—anchored in equity, mutual trust, and action. With the development of RBB now underway, this initiative lays the groundwork for a resilient civil society ecosystem ready to face the region’s evolving challenges with creativity, courage, and care.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Purwanto, Gerald Istia.   

Photos: Gerald Istia/CTC.