Indonesia is a model for building interfaith dialogue: minister

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Jakarta(ANTARA) –
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said Indonesia is one of the best examples of establishing dialogue among religions and civilizations.

He made the statement at the “Inter-religious and inter-civilizational welcome to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to visit Indonesia” event on Wednesday.

The event was organized by the Executive Board of the National Ulema Association (PBNU) in cooperation with the ministry.

The event was attended by: Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al Tayeb, who is also the Chairman of the Muslim Law Council (MHM); PBNU Supreme Leader Miftachour Akyar; PBNU General Chairman Yahya Joliel Starkuf; Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists and Confucianists; and representatives from various religious denominations.

Minister Kumas first extended greetings on behalf of the six religions. He said these greetings are Indonesia’s way of maintaining harmony.

“This country has diverse religions (Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism), beliefs, nationalities, races and groups, but (the people) can live together in harmony,” the minister elaborated.

He said that the current world situation is not very good, and conflicts between countries, between religions, and even within religions still occur from time to time due to the lack of mutual understanding among religions.

The minister added that one of the best ways to prevent such conflicts is to establish inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogue.

“Universal issues such as justice, equality, peace, ecology and sustainability of the planet are common issues that can bring together all components of society, religious groups and nations,” he said.

At the event, he expressed greetings and gratitude to the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar for visiting Indonesia, which is the Grand Sheikh’s third visit to Indonesia after 2016 and 2018.

“It shows his love for Indonesia, which is the country with the largest Muslim population. Indonesia is the country with the largest number of religious followers and beliefs. Indonesia is a diverse, pluralistic country, but has managed to build a harmonious and peaceful life,” he said.

He further said that he considered the Grand Sheikh to be one of the religious figures who most consistently advocated dialogue among religions and civilizations to achieve world peace.

One of his important contributions to building this dialogue was the realization of the Charter of Human Fraternity, signed together with Pope Francis on February 4, 2019.

“The essence of the Charter is to urge all human beings to live in harmony by upholding the values of peace, mutual understanding, equality, brotherhood, coexistence, wisdom, justice and mutual love,” the minister said.

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