Pope’s Visit to Istiqlal Mosque Important Momentum to Complete the Meaning of a Tolerant Bhinneka Country
By: Herman WijayaPope Francis’ visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Indonesia is an important and historic moment. His arrival marks the strong commitment of the Catholic Church leader to peace, tolerance, and unity in this country rich in cultural and religious diversity. During his visit to Indonesia, the Pope delivered profound messages about harmony between religious communities and the importance of mutual respect amidst differences. Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia carried out various activities that reflected his mission and vision in maintaining peace among people. In addition, he held meetings with religious figures, held mass, and held dialogues with the general public. Then Pope Francis emphasized his commitment to peace and tolerance throughout the world. This visit is not only a historic moment for Catholics, but also offers a universal message about harmony between religious communities and unity in a diverse society. Lecturer from President University and member of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), AS Hikam, said that the Pope’s visit to the Istiqlal Grand Mosque further completes the meaning of his visit to this diverse country. Istiqlal is a religious and historical monument that symbolizes the nation’s spiritual commitment, as well as the idea of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia. The location of the mosque adjacent to the Cathedral is a symbol and at the same time proof of tolerance and the strength of the interfaith crowd, especially Catholics. During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis carried out a series of activities that reflected the mission of peace and tolerance. He held meetings with religious leaders from various backgrounds, had dialogues with community leaders, and visited places that were symbols of conflict and tension. Every step of the Pope’s journey was designed to raise a message of unity, mutual respect and peace. The General Chairperson of PBNU, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, said it was important to maintain diversity as a gift from God. Pope Francis’ visit was seen as an opportunity to strengthen the commitment to religious tolerance in Indonesia. In addition, the public was reminded to see differences and diversity as richness that enriches life together. Amid the challenges of intolerance that still exist, the arrival of Pope Francis is seen as a symbol to strengthen interfaith dialogue and cooperation to realize harmony. Initiatives such as the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) must continue to be supported, as well as involving the younger generation in maintaining and advancing the values of tolerance. Involving the younger generation in maintaining and advancing the values of tolerance is an important investment for a peaceful and inclusive future. With the right approach, such as good education, extracurricular activities, utilization of social media, and active involvement in the community,we can prepare the younger generation to become leaders and agents of change who are able to promote harmony in society. Thus, the values of tolerance will continue to develop and be deeply embedded in society.
Tolerance education also needs to be strengthened in schools to instill the value of inclusivity from an early age. In this way, Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is expected to strengthen the nation’s commitment to peace and unity, and show the world that Indonesia is a country that upholds these values. Then in his statement, the Pope emphasized that peace cannot be achieved simply by avoiding conflict, but must be built through understanding and respect for differences. He encouraged every individual and community to engage in constructive dialogue and build bridges between different groups. In addition to calling for peace, Pope Francis also spoke about tolerance as an important pillar in a multicultural society. He highlighted the importance of respecting human rights and religious freedom as part of efforts to build a more inclusive world. In this context, the Pope invited all parties to overcome prejudice and stereotypes that are often the source of conflict. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, said that one of the main reasons Pope Francis chose to visit Indonesia was the country’s reputation for maintaining religious tolerance. Pope Francis wants to see firsthand how Indonesian people embody tolerance in their daily lives, and hopes that his message of peace and unity can inspire the world. Pope Francis’ visit was also enthusiastically welcomed by Catholics and the general public in Indonesia. Many see the visit as an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to the values of peace and tolerance. The Indonesian government also welcomed the visit as part of its efforts to promote harmony in a diverse society. Pope Francis’ visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s image as a country that prioritizes tolerance and harmony. The positive response from the public is expected to have a long-term impact in promoting these values. Pope Francis’ visit is a historic moment that must be utilized well to strengthen the commitment to tolerance and harmony. Support from various religious figures, community leaders, and all elements of the nation will make Indonesia more inclusive and peaceful. The public is expected to welcome Pope Francis with open arms and hearts full of peace, while working together to build a better future for all citizens regardless of differences. In addition, maintaining tolerance between religions is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all elements of society. Tolerance is not only about respecting differences, but also about building bridges of understanding between different religious groups. Through constructive dialogue and mutual respect,society can create a safe and harmonious environment for all. The arrival of Pope Francis is a reminder that hard work in maintaining tolerance must continue to be done in order to create a harmonious and peaceful life in the future.)* The author is a social media activist
