Jakarta – In an effort to strengthen interfaith and intercultural cooperation in the Southeast Asian region, the ASEAN Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Conference (ASEAN IIDC) has received attention from observers and observers of peace issues ahead of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta. Observers expressed optimism about the strategic role that ASEAN IIDC could play in building sustainable peace in the region.
The ASEAN Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Conference (ASEAN IIDC) forum initiated by the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) received positive attention from observers who believed that this forum had great potential to become a strong bridge in strengthening peace and cooperation in the region.
An open discussion between religious leaders, scholars and community leaders in ASEAN which was held in Jakarta some time ago is expected to reduce tensions and build cross-cultural understanding in the ASEAN region.
This was stated by Central China Normal University (CCNU) International Relations Observer, Ahmad Syaifuddin Zuhri.
“Religion is a very sacred institution, especially in this case in the ASEAN community. I am very optimistic that this can be a bridge in strengthening peace,” said Zuhri.
According to him, ASEAN IIDC has a strategic role in reducing conflict and overcoming differences.
The dialogue forum shows a willingness to listen to each other and seek common ground. This is an important step in building understanding, avoiding prejudice, and promoting mutual respect amidst religious and cultural diversity.
“The ASEAN IIDC meeting which was initiated by PBNU and supported by the Indonesian government is very important, not only dialogue, PBNU together with organizations, state institutions and other stakeholders in ASEAN can also encourage this meeting to become a global practice and example in the practice of harmonization with a background of diversity. culture and religion in the ASEAN community,” he said.
He also highlighted the values of tolerance and harmony reflected in interfaith cooperation at the ASEAN IIDC. This forum inspires a spirit of inclusivity and cross-cultural cooperation.
“Religious and religious practices in the ASEAN community are different from communities in other regions, one of which is because they are influenced by the noble culture of the ASEAN community which is strong and still strong,” he explained.
“I think this is a plus for us when practices like this can resonate with the world, which of course also means we still respect local values in other regions of the world,” he added.
However, Zuhri also emphasized that success in achieving sustainable peace cannot be achieved in a short time. This is a long journey that requires collaborative and consistent efforts. Indicators of success, he continued, will be seen in the reduction of conflicts that reflect religious issues in society. This challenge is not only the responsibility of the elite, but must also involve the active participation of grassroots society.
“Other plans and stages must also follow. “We hope that efforts to make global peace slowly but surely can be realized by each country through their own methods and characteristics,” he explained.
“One of the indicators, in my opinion, is the reduction or decline in conflicts, especially those in the name of religion, in their respective regions. “And how can we also invite grassroots communities to actively participate in making it happen, so it’s not just elite circles,” he concluded.
This supports the ASEAN Summit as a positive momentum in promoting dialogue between diversity for sustainable peace in Southeast Asia.