JAKARTA (ANTARA) – Minister of Religious Affairs Yakut Cholil Kumas said Indonesia is one of the best examples of a country that has built a dialogue between religions and civilizations.
He made the statement on Wednesday during the “Inter-religious and Inter-civilizational Welcome to the Visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to Indonesia” event.
The event was organized by the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) in collaboration with ministries and agencies.
The event was attended by Archbishop of Al-Azhar Ahmad Muhammad Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who is also Chairman of the Islamic Legal Council (MHM), PBNU Supreme Leader Miftatul Akhyar, PBNU General Chairman Yahya Cholil Stakhov, Muslim, Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian leaders, and representatives of various religious denominations.
Minister Kuomas began his speech by offering the greetings of the six religions, which he said were Indonesia’s way of maintaining harmony.
“Amidst religious diversity (Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism), faiths, ethnicities, races and groups, the people of this country can coexist in harmony,” the minister explained.
He said the world is not in a good state right now. Inter-state, inter-religious and even intra-religious conflicts still occur frequently due to a lack of mutual understanding between the components.
The minister added that one of the best ways to prevent such conflicts is to build inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogue.
“Universal issues such as justice, equality, peace, ecology and global sustainability are common issues that can unite different components of societies, religious communities and nations,” he said.
At the event, he conveyed his greetings and gratitude to Archbishop Al-Azhar for his visit to Indonesia, which marks his third visit after visits in 2016 and 2018.
“This shows his affection for Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population, the country with the largest number of religious followers and faiths, and a country that has succeeded in building a diverse and pluralistic yet harmonious and peaceful life,” he said.
He further said that he regards the Grand Sheikh as one of the religious leaders who has most consistently advocated for inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogue towards the realization of world peace.
One of his key contributions to building this dialogue was the realization of the Charter of Human Fraternity, which he signed with Pope Francis on February 4, 2019.
“The essence of the Charter is to encourage all human beings to live together in harmony, upholding the values of peace, mutual understanding, equality, fraternity, coexistence, wisdom, justice and mutual love,” the minister said.
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