By : Rivka Mayangsari*)
Indonesia, as a country known for its cultural and religious diversity, is currently in the international spotlight ahead of Pope Francis’ visit which is scheduled for the near future. It is hoped that this visit will not only be a historic moment for Catholics in Indonesia, but also as an important symbol in strengthening the values of tolerance and harmony in a diverse society. All elements of the nation are expected to welcome the Pope’s arrival with a spirit of unity and cooperation, as has been emphasized by various religious figures and national leaders.
PBNU delivered an important message regarding diversity ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis. The General Chair of PBNU, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, emphasized the importance of maintaining diversity as a gift from God that must be maintained together. According to him, Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is an opportunity to strengthen this nation’s commitment to religious tolerance. Society needs to view differences as a wealth, not a threat.
Yahya also hopes that Pope Francis’ visit will be a reminder to always maintain harmony amidst diversity. Apart from that, he invited the Indonesian people to welcome the Pope’s arrival with a spirit of brotherhood and openness, while emphasizing that PBNU would continue to be committed to maintaining the values of religious moderation in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KWI) also provided a statement regarding Pope Francis’ visit. The Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, said that one of the main reasons Pope Francis chose to visit Indonesia was because of this country’s reputation for maintaining religious tolerance. Indonesia has long been known as a country with a Muslim majority who live side by side in harmony with other religious communities.
Cardinal Suharyo said that Pope Francis wanted to see firsthand how tolerance was realized in the daily lives of Indonesian people. This visit also brought an important message about how religion can be a tool to unite, not divide, and it is hoped that the messages of peace and unity will be heard more strongly, not only in Indonesia but also throughout the world.
Apart from that, the General Chair of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Arsjad Rasjid, also gave his views ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis. Arsjad emphasized the importance of collaboration across religions and cultures as the key to realizing sustainable peace. That collaboration in diversity is one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths. Pope Francis brought a very relevant message, namely how to work together despite different backgrounds to achieve a common goal, namely peace.
Arsjad also invited all business leaders and the wider community to support efforts that strengthen social cohesion and encourage interfaith dialogue. It is believed that the arrival of Pope Francis will be a catalyst for various initiatives aimed at strengthening brotherhood between various communities in Indonesia, as well as making Indonesia a real example in realizing harmony in a pluralistic society.
Even though Indonesia has long been known as a country that upholds the values of tolerance, challenges remain. Several incidents of intolerance in various regions remind us that efforts to maintain religious harmony must not stop. The arrival of Pope Francis is considered a momentum to work together to overcome this challenge.
One way to achieve harmony is to continue to encourage interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Programs such as the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) and other interfaith initiatives need to continue to be supported and strengthened. Apart from that, it is also important to involve the younger generation in efforts to maintain tolerance, remembering that they are the nation’s successors who will carry these values into the future.
The arrival of Pope Francis is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen tolerance education in schools and other educational institutions. By instilling these values from an early age, it is hoped that a more inclusive and harmonious society can be realized.
Overall, Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is considered a historical moment that must be utilized well. This is an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to tolerance and harmony, and show the world that Indonesia is a country that upholds the values of peace and unity.
With the support of various religious figures, community leaders and all elements of the nation, it is hoped that Indonesia will become more inclusive and peaceful. It is also hoped that society can welcome Pope Francis with open arms and hearts full of peace, while continuing to work together to build a better future for all citizens regardless of differences.
Maintaining inter-religious tolerance in Indonesia is a shared responsibility that requires participation from all elements of society. Tolerance does not only mean respecting differences, but also actively working together in building bridges of understanding between various religious groups. Every individual is expected to be able to become an agent of change who spreads the spirit of peace and unity.
Through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and maintaining an open attitude, society can create a safe and harmonious environment for all. The arrival of Pope Francis is an important reminder that hard work in maintaining tolerance must continue to be carried out in order to create a harmonious and peaceful life in the future.
)* Observer of social issues