*) By: Drio Filindo
The arrival of Pope Francis in Indonesia will be a historic moment that is significant not only for the Catholic community but also for the entire Indonesian society living in religious and cultural diversity. This visit is expected to serve as a symbol of strengthening the values of tolerance, harmony, and interfaith dialogue that characterize Indonesia as a country with rich diversity. Pope Francis, as the spiritual leader for Catholics around the world, brings a message of peace that is relevant to Indonesia’s multicultural context.
Indonesia is known as the country with the largest Muslim majority in the world that has successfully maintained harmony and unity amidst diversity. However, the challenge of maintaining tolerance and harmony remains. Several incidents of intolerance that have occurred in various regions serve as a reminder that efforts to maintain interfaith harmony must be continually strengthened. The arrival of Pope Francis provides the right momentum for all parties to come together to address this challenge and strengthen their commitment to harmony.
The Chairman of GP Ansor, Addin Jauharudin, stated that the arrival of Pope Francis is an opportunity to strengthen interfaith dialogue and enhance tolerance. Diversity is a gift from God that must be preserved together. They hope that this visit serves as an important reminder for the Indonesian people to nurture harmony amidst diversity. In addition, interfaith dialogue needs to be continuously encouraged as an effort to maintain peace and unity in a diverse society.
The arrival of Pope Francis is also expected to strengthen interfaith dialogue efforts that have been ongoing in Indonesia. With its presence, religious leaders from various faiths in Indonesia can be further encouraged to collaborate in creating programs that promote tolerance and harmony. In addition, the arrival of Pope Francis also brings international attention to Indonesia as an example of a country with preserved diversity. This can enhance Indonesia’s image in the eyes of the world as a country capable of maintaining peace and harmony amidst differences.
Furthermore, Pope Francis’ visit could encourage the Indonesian people to become more actively involved in preserving and strengthening diversity. With the messages of peace conveyed by the Pope, it is hoped that new initiatives will emerge across various segments of society to promote tolerance, whether through education, social activities, or community dialogue. The presence of Pope Francis is not just a visit, but a moment for Indonesia to reaffirm its commitment to the values of diversity and unity, which are the foundation of harmonious diversity in this country. Muslim leader Budhy Munawar Rahman stated that Pope Francis wants to see firsthand how Indonesia embodies religious tolerance in everyday life. Indonesia is an example of a country where people of different religions can live together harmoniously. They added that this visit carries an important message about how religion can be a tool for unification, not division, and hope that messages of peace and unity will resonate more strongly, not only in Indonesia but also around the world.
The President Director of Lafadz Nusantara Center, Deni Iskandar, also shared his views ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis. They emphasized the importance of interfaith and intercultural collaboration as the key to achieving sustainable peace. Collaboration in diversity is one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths. They also invite all business leaders and the wider community to support efforts that strengthen social cohesion and promote interfaith dialogue.
This momentum should also be utilized to strengthen tolerance education in Indonesia. Through education, the values of tolerance can be instilled from an early age in the younger generation. It is important to ensure that these values will continue to be passed down and applied in daily life. Pope Francis’s visit is expected to encourage the enhancement of tolerance education programs in schools and other educational institutions.
Programs like the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) and other interfaith initiatives need to be continuously supported and strengthened. Constructive and inclusive interfaith dialogue must continue to be conducted to create better understanding and comprehension among various religious communities in Indonesia. In addition, it is also important to involve the younger generation in efforts to maintain tolerance, considering they are the successors of the nation who will carry these values into the future.
The arrival of Pope Francis is a golden opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its image as a country that upholds the values of tolerance and peace. With the support of various religious leaders, community leaders, and all elements of the nation, it is hoped that Indonesia will become increasingly inclusive and peaceful. The community is expected to welcome Pope Francis with open arms and hearts full of peace, while continuing to collaborate to build a better future for all citizens, regardless of differences.
Overall, Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia is considered a historic moment that should be well utilized. This is an opportunity to strengthen the commitment to tolerance and harmony, as well as to show the world that Indonesia is a country that upholds the values of peace and unity. With close cooperation among religious communities, Indonesia can continue to be an example for the world in realizing harmony amidst diversity.
*) The author is a contributor to the Jaya Raya Press Institute.
