Strengthening Solidarity, Amplifying Migrant Voices
Introducing the Sama-Sama, Sangha-Sangha Online Community
Dewi Amelia represented APMM at the “Beyond Borders Asia 2.0: Journalism for and with Refugees, Migrants and Host Communities” organized by DW Akademie in Chiang Mai from 6-9 February 2026. The conference invited media professionals, content creators, and experts based in Asia to explore ways to improve reporting on forced migration. Guided by DW Akademie’s Beyond Borders toolkit, the conference discusses the root causes of displacement, ethical storytelling, and the role of media and other actors in fostering dialogue and resilience with the perspectives of refugees and migrants at the center.
During the conference, Dewi introduced Sama-Sama, Sangha-Sangha, an online community created by and for grassroots migrants and advocates across the Asia Pacific. During a gallery walk, the online platform was introduced to various individuals, prompting intimate conversations and meaningful engagement.
Why the online community matters
For the longest time, migrants were not included in shaping narratives on migrants and migration. As Dewi explained to the participants, Sama-Sama, Sangha-Sangha exists to challenge this prevailing narrative and ensure migrants are not just included, but centered as storytellers and knowledge holders. Thanks to the platform, they can shape their own narratives and stories.
The platform emerged from conversations and shared experiences among migrants and advocates, recognizing common challenges and the need to connect, build solidarity, and share knowledge across borders. It is also multilingual by design, where English, Tagalog, Nepali, Bahasa Indonesia, and Khmer pieces will be showcased to reflect the communities whose lives and experiences shape what migration is today.
The platform also serves as a dynamic digital repository, featuring letters from migrants, frontline stories, and field notes compiled under the Journey Across Borders series. The name itself carries profound meaning: Sama-Sama and Sangha-Sangha - words in different languages that all convey togetherness, branching out, and solidarity.
One participant later shared during the plenary that Sama-Sangha is inspiring, as it strives to be an online community of grassroots migrants and advocate organizations to shape and drum up narratives that are usually not seen in mainstream channels.
More than a Platform: A Living Conversation
Sama Sangha is a space for solidarity, for strengthening movements, for collective care, and for storytelling that crosses borders. The platform is not meant to stand alone. It grows each time someone listens closely, shares courageously, and ensures that migrants speak in their own voices.
Explore the platform here: 🌐 www.samasangha.com
