The National Alliance of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (ANBTI) was established on June 26, 2006 as part of a mandate from the National Congress of Kebhinnekaan (Diversity) that was held on 22 – 25 June 2006 in Surabaya, East Java.

ANBTI focuses on advocating against discriminatory policies, particularly those against indigenous peoples: the adherents of local religions. ANBTI also facilitates inter-religious dialogues, education on pluralism for youth, and creates a solidarity network for the participation of indigenous communities and the adherents of local religions. ANBTI has two core activities: re-actualisation of local wisdom for cultural integration, and a national youth forum. The former is based on the prevailing local religions in Indonesia which is perpetuated by policy makers and state apparatuses, while the latter is to prevent the rising conservative radicalism among Indonesian youth to become agents of change and peace building.

Merapu Indigenous communities in West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara are still facing the discrimination and exclusion in many aspects of their livelihoods. This exclusion results in  prevalent poverty, inaccessibility of proper education, a low rate of socio-political participation, particularly as a rightful citizen.

Following the situation, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Alliance (ANBTI) initiated an empowerment project with Merapu communities using participatory action strategy, working closely with the involved communities. This approach enables the indigenous people to identify the key issues that they face and struggle, and to formulate appropriate action plans and advocacy that are suitable for their conditions. Organising the communities has been the key to conduct participatory action. ANBTI likes to form a new community working as facilitator to implement the actions within other communities. Through organising as well, they are also capable of pinpointing potential actions that are held by the communities and how to develop those potentials according to their needs. The involvement of local capacities and potentials is really crucial to maintain the sustainability of the programme.

Organising the communities also means to build a platform for the people to do many activities together with their members. Thus, it is necessary for the communities to build a communal space for collective gathering, discussions, and capacity development. The Community-Based Learning Center is created as a learning space as the starting point for driving changes in the community. A strong foundation of livelihoods enables the society to effectively and significantly participate in the state as its rightful members, including to self-advocate their rights and needs, particularly regarding the administration and civil rights. Through this platform, they will run the programme that is planned and constructed rogether to advocate their rights.