President Jokowi: Religious, Community Figures Play Important Roles in Creating Peace

President Joko Widodo delivers his remarks at the Opening of the R20 International Summit of Religious Authorities, at the Ballroom of the Park Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta, November 27, 2023. (Photo by: Agung/Secretariat Cabinet’s Public Relations)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo extended appreciation to religious figures and delegates for their efforts to strengthen the world peace and bridge differences along with Indonesia.

“Because it really doesn’t make sense and it is really unacceptable that in our super modern world today there are still open wars and massacres that take civilians’, women’s and children’s lives,” said the President when opening the R20 International Summit of Religious Authorities, on Monday (11/27), at the Ballroom of the Park Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta.

The President emphasized that Indonesia believes that independence is the right of all nations, as firmly stated in the Indonesian constitution.

“The humanitarian tragedy in Palestine cannot be tolerated in the slightest. A ceasefire must be implemented immediately, humanitarian assistance must be accelerated, and peace negotiations must be initiated immediately,” he stressed.

The President added that Indonesia also has long experience in knitting diversity, bridging differences, and harmonizing heterogeneity. He said that currently Indonesia’s population reaches almost 280 million people consisting of 714 tribes, speaking more than 1,300 local or regional languages, adhering to different religions, and living across 17 thousand islands.

“It’s not an easy thing to unite them, but we can. And we are grateful that Indonesia can manage to eliminate tribal egos, religious egos, and regional egos, so that we succeed in bringing Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, unity in diversity, into reality,” he affirmed.

According to him, this would not be possible if it were not supported by religious teachings. Unity, he added, would also never be realized if it were not supported by religious leaders who taught that love of one’s country is part of faith, tolerance for differences is part of faith, and maintaining unity is also part of faith.

The President further said that Indonesia believes that the role of religion, religious figures and society is of particular importance in creating peace, harmony, and togetherness within a country, within the region, and around the world.

“Let us create dialogue between religions and across nations to bridge differences and stop all forms of conflict, so that we can create a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous world together. And by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this morning I officially open the Religion of 20 International Summit of Religious Authorities,” he remarked. (FID/DNS) (TM/MUR)