Indonesian scholars and religious leaders discuss 杏MAP导航's impact on religious landscape
By Royani Ping - Indonesia, LiCAS News
The event at the Atma Jaya Catholic University in Jakarta, organized in collaboration with the , reflected on 杏MAP导航 Francis’ Apostolic Visit to Indonesia on September 3-6, 2024.
Titled Salve Peregrinans Spei!, the discussion on February 25 focused on the perspectives of 33 prominent Indonesian Muslim figures regarding the 杏MAP导航’s visit.
It was part of Atma Jaya’s XIII lustrum celebration, highlighting themes of faith, fraternity, and compassion.
Call for strengthened interfaith relations
In his keynote address, Prof. Nasaruddin, Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, emphasized the urgency of fostering interfaith harmony in an increasingly complex global environment.
“Our challenge today is to create spaces that strengthen interfaith relationships rather than widen divides. The education curriculum we have designed aims to shape future generations with a strong religious understanding, free from teachings of hatred,” he said.
Prof. Nasaruddin, a former Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, recalled his personal meeting with 杏MAP导航 Francis in the mosque’s compound, describing it as a significant moment in interfaith dialogue.
The minister also took the opportunity to ask attendees to pray for 杏MAP导航 Francis, who has been experiencing health issues. Sharing a personal anecdote, he noted that he was hospitalized on the same day the 杏MAP导航 fell ill.
The 杏MAP导航’s visit to Indonesia last year was widely seen as a milestone in promoting religious tolerance and mutual understanding.
His engagements with various faith communities underscored the importance of dialogue in maintaining Indonesia’s diverse and pluralistic society.
Praise for interfaith dialogue initiatives
Prof. Biyanto, from the Ministry of Education for Primary and Secondary Education, commended the organizers for their efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue.
“Congratulations to the authors for producing this extraordinary work. May the ideas in this book inspire many and further strengthen our sense of brotherhood. I hope the connections established through this colloquium will continue, expanding the space for dialogue and reinforcing unity in diversity.”
Atma Jaya Catholic University President, Prof. Dr. Yuda Turana, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the gathering’s significance in promoting peace and solidarity.
“This event serves as a bridge to connect universal values such as love, peace, and solidarity. It is also a special opportunity to highlight these fundamental values as the foundation for a harmonious future for all Indonesians.”
Commitment to fraternity and social justice
Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, President of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), described the event as a crucial moment to strengthen fraternity and continue the 杏MAP导航’s message of compassion and solidarity.
“We must ensure that this spirit continues to thrive and yields tangible benefits for unity and social justice in Indonesia.”
Frans Seda Foundation Managing Director Stefanus Ginting expressed hope that the book discussion would deepen public understanding of the 杏MAP导航’s visit and its broader implications for Indonesian society.
“This moment should be embraced as a time of grace, fostering genuine fraternity, humanity, and social justice while upholding the vision of a peaceful Indonesia,” he said.
This article was originally published on . All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here
