Religious Leaders Call For The Importance Of Harmonization Within The Frame Of Diversity At Christmas
Jakarta — Maintaining harmony between religious communities in Indonesia within the framework of diversity is indeed very important, because this nation has a great deal of diversity.
Regarding this matter, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Dr. KH. Marsudi Syuhud said that the people in Indonesia, especially Muslims, have found it easier to respond to any differences.
“Muslims in Indonesia actually find it easier to deal with anything. In the life of the nation and state, they are bound by a rule, which, regardless of the difference in religion, but when they agree in one country and fight together how this country is comfortable and builds it, they are all one nation,” he said in a discussion program on television.
Furthermore, he said that when they have become one nation, then it is appropriate to be able to respect each other, and be able to provide space for each other.
Moreover, during the celebration of Christmas and New Year (Nataru), which are currently being celebrated by Christians.
“When we become one nation, we must respect one another. Differences do exist, but how can these differences still unite in the context of diversity, nation and state. The key is only one, giving space for mutual respect, “he added.
In an effort to be able to create a society that can respect each other, according to Kyai Marsudi, it must be accompanied by social cooperation.
“There must be social cooperation and mutual respect for those who are different, even for all people of different religions. We must respect each other on the basis of humanity and as a nation,” he said.
On the same occasion, the General Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive (PP), KH. Abdul Mu’ti explained that the differences that exist in Indonesia are a wealth so that they don’t need to be considered as a problem.
“Differences in belief are part of social-spiritual wealth, we must interpret differences not as a problem, but as wealth. We as a nation not only have religious diversity, but are known as a nation that adheres to religious teachings,” he explained.
In fact, added KH. Abdul Mu’ti, many countries want to follow the example of Indonesia which has proven capable of managing many differences, both religion, ethnicity and ethnicity.
“Indonesia’s experience in how to maintain harmony and togetherness is an example for various parties abroad. They admire and want to emulate how the Indonesian nation, which has a lot of diversity, can live in peace,” he concluded.
