Social Mapping and Asset-Based Community Development in Post-Conflict Areas

Lessons from Eastern Indonesia

Abstract

This article presents a social mapping and asset-based community development (ABCD) initiative in a post-conflict village in Eastern Indonesia. The project sought to identify community strengths, rebuild trust, and foster inclusive development following sectarian conflict. Using participatory rural appraisal (PRA), the mapping process revealed diverse social assets, including women's groups, youth associations, and interfaith networks. These assets became the basis for micro-enterprise and reconciliation projects. The findings demonstrate that shifting from a needs-based to an asset-based approach can catalyze social healing and sustainable recovery in fragile contexts. Key success factors included facilitative leadership and community ownership of the process.