By: Edi Jatmiko) *
Christmas celebration is a special momentum for Christians. Even the momentum of Christmas is also often used as a momentum of friendship between people from various backgrounds. Christmas 2019 is expected to strengthen the tolerance and harmony of the Indonesian people. Indonesia is famous for its multi-religious state, so this attitude of tolerance between religious communities is very important. Because, every religion has different customs and rules, including religious holidays. We as social beings are certainly obliged to interact with other humans in meeting their needs. It is impossible not if we do everything ourselves. Given, in a society also consists of a variety of beliefs held. If you don’t establish harmony with other humans, what do you want to be?
At a glance, we recall that in the opening of the 1945 Constitution article 29 verse 2, it was stated that “the State guarantees the independence of each population to embrace their own religion and to worship according to their religion and beliefs”. So that we as citizens naturally make it a habit to respect each other between the rights and obligations that exist between us in order to maintain the integrity of the State and uphold mutual tolerance between religious communities.
As an example; interfaith tolerance between Muslims and Christians in the Joyodiningratan Javanese Christian Church and Al Hikmah Mosque, in the Serengan area, Solo City, Central Java. which was created long ago.
Differences in belief between them did not dampen the spirit of local Christians and Muslims to maintain mutual harmony, respect and develop tolerance. This was also reflected in the implementation of Eid al-Fitr which fell on Sunday of the previous year. Then the church manager immediately called the mosque management to ask about the certainty of the Eid celebration. Finally, the church management changed their morning worship schedule on Sunday to noon, so as not to disturb the Muslims who were performing Eid prayers.
Another example that can be seen is when the mosque management always allows the mosque yard to park vehicles for GKJ Joyoningratan Christians when the Easter and Christmas services are taking place. This is not an extraordinary sight. Religion will strengthen each other and create harmony.
If we help other people with different religions, it does not mean we agree and follow the religion, but it supports the creation of religious tolerance which is considered more important. Instead of acting fanatic and disparaging other religions. Although trivial the fact is this tolerance really needs to be improved. So it’s not just on the lips, but in the heart and be able to realize it.
If in a country has a minimal level of tolerance, various threats will emerge that can easily destroy the Indonesian nation. The most prominent thing now is when religious affairs are mixed with political matters. This is a very fatal thing, and makes individuals mutually hostile with other individuals because of differences in views. The result will divide the unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian State from within.
Tolerance can be demonstrated in various forms. As; helping each other, loving, and most importantly being able to respect other religions and faiths. Including respecting worship, holidays and guarding places of worship for other religious communities. Our role as the successor of the nation is to uphold the values of tolerance in order to be able to maintain the unity and sovereignty of the Indonesian State from all interventions and divisions that are likely to come as a result of distortion.
Many factors can shake up tolerance between religious communities in our archipelago. Excessive fanaticism to favor one’s own religion and to underestimate other religions is also included. Especially before Christmas celebrations like this often become vulnerable momentum that is used by parties who are not responsible.
Indeed, there are times when people will disagree, differ in views to everything related to life. However, all can be resolved with a cool head and not rash in making decisions. This tolerance actually has a very broad meaning, through a method of tolerance that is well implemented, it is possible for all problems to be resolved. So that harmony, unity and unity can be realized more easily. Let’s respect them with the diversity they have, so that we will continue to live safe, comfortable and peaceful lives.
) * The author is a social political observer