JAKARTA (ANTARA) – Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia will continue to lead by example in interfaith dialogue, one of its diplomatic priorities, for the benefit of the international community.
“Our differences should be our strengths and assets, not our weaknesses. Let us build a better and more peaceful world through dialogue and interreligious cooperation,” she added here on Wednesday.
Opening the Raimena Institute’s International Conference on Intercultural Religious Literacy, the minister said Indonesia will continue to strengthen tolerance as a lack of tolerance can escalate polarization in society and lead to tensions and open conflict.
She also stressed the important role religious leaders play in developing inter-religious dialogue and diplomacy, as religion can “add fuel to the fire” when it comes to conflicts that do not have religious origins.
Indonesia is leading by example by promoting the idea of ”unity in diversity” and fostering understanding across religions and cultures, she said.
“We must continue to uphold these principles as we navigate the complexities of the global situation,” she stressed.
Indonesia will also continue to promote religious and cultural inclusiveness that treats differences as assets for fostering constructive dialogue and cultural understanding.
The minister cited President Joko Widodo’s meeting with Al-Azhar Archbishop Mohammed Ahmed Al Tayeb on Tuesday and Pope Francis’ planned visit to Indonesia in September, stressing that Indonesia has consistently engaged with world religious leaders on this issue.
Indonesia will also promote interfaith cooperation to encourage concrete actions that will benefit humanity. Differences should not hinder cooperation efforts, she said.
“That is why Indonesia is fighting for a Palestinian state and calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of unhindered humanitarian assistance to save more lives,” Marsudi added.
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