Six Religious Leaders Lead National Prayers Commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day
Six religious leaders led national prayers held at National Monument in Jakarta on Saturday (8/1). Their presence reflected national unity and a commitment to maintain interfaith peace and harmony as one of the strong pillars of the life of the nation and the state.
The event was part of the commemoration series of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, demonstrating the nation’s gratitude towards the journey of independence, unity, and diversity.
The multifaith participants joined the prayers by expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the blessings and presence. They also wished for Indonesia’s peace and prosperity. The event was expected to be a turning point in strengthening companionship and shared goals to maintain Indonesia’s unity despite the differences. Also, to grow the sense of optimism for a better, more prosperous future.
The six religious leaders who led the prayers include Husni Ismail for Muslims, Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty for Christians, Fransiskus Yance Sengga for Catholics, Pinandita Gede Pastika for Hindu people, Bhikkhu Bhadranatha Thera for Buddhists, and Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo for Confucians. Their profiles are as follows:
Husni Ismail (Islam)
Husni Ismail is an Ulema and Muslim scholar who also serves as Imam for Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. He is recognized for his active contributions to Islamic outreach, imam development, and religious services through a range of strategic positions within the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Islamic civil society organizations.
He also acts as Secretary I of Ittihad Imam. His career as a civil servant began with the position of Head of the Sub-directorate of Da’wah and Islamic Holidays, which focused on Islamic outreach and national religious events.
He is a frequent speaker at Islamic lectures and sermons in many mosques, including Istiqlal, Pondok Indah, and As-Syarif mosques.
Coming from Bima, West Nusa Tenggara province, Husni was chosen as the Chairperson of the Indonesian Forum for Young Islamic Scholars from Bima. He also received an honorific title of Tuan Guru (Master Teacher). He is known for his humility, simplicity, and a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and leading Muslims. His firm yet humorous personality has enabled him to build close connections with people while delivering religious messages warmly and engagingly.
Through his service as an Imam, Islamic preacher, and religious leader, Husni Ismail continues to contribute to moderate Islam, the strengthening of Muslim unity, and the advancement of a peaceful and harmonious religious life in Indonesia.
Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty (Christian)
Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty is a church leader and interfaith dialogue advocate who has devoted himself to promoting peace, strengthening tolerance, and fostering cooperation among religious communities and civilizations at both the national and international levels.
He earned his degree in theology from Jakarta Theological Seminary (1984–1989) and later studied philosophy at Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta (1990–1994). From 2007 to 2010, he pursued a Master of Arts in Muslim-Christian Relations at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, United States. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to interfaith dialogue, Hartford Seminary awarded him an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) in 2021.
Since 1997, Rev. Jacklevyn has served as a minister of the Protestant Church of Maluku (GPM) and has been actively involved in the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI). Between 2007 and 2011, he served as a minister of the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) in New York City while completing his graduate studies. Upon returning to Indonesia, he became Director of the Research and Development Agency of the Protestant Church of Maluku (2011–2017) and taught Multicultural Education at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Ambon in 2013.
In 2017, he was appointed Assistant to the President’s Special Envoy for Interfaith and Inter-civilizational Dialogue and Cooperation, which focused on peacebuilding and interfaith relations. His leadership within Indonesia’s church community continued when he was elected General Secretary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) for the 2019–2024 term. During the 18th PGI General Assembly in Toraja, he was elected Chairperson of PGI for the 2024–2029 term.
For his dedication to advancing peace and interfaith harmony, Rev. Jacklevyn received the Ma’arif Award (2007), the Peacemakers in Action Award from the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding in New York (2012), and represented Indonesia in receiving the World Harmony Week Prize from King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman (2018).
Through his academic background, ecclesiastical leadership, and active participation in interfaith forums, Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty continues to strengthen the values of brotherhood, tolerance, and peace as the foundation of Indonesia’s diverse society.
Rev. Fr. Fransiskus Yance Sengga (Catholic)
Rev. Fr. Fransiskus Yance Sengga is a Catholic priest who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of liturgy and liturgical music in Indonesia. He began his priestly formation at St. John Berchmans Minor Seminary in Mataloko, Flores island, pursued philosophy and theology at Ledalero Institute of Philosophy and Theology (STFK Ledalero), and later specialized in Liturgy and Sacred Music (Musica Sacra) at the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm in Rome, Italy.
Since his ordination, Fr. Fransiskus has undertaken numerous pastoral and educational responsibilities, including serving as a formator at Mataloko Minor Seminary, Secretary and Chair of the Liturgy Commission of the Archdiocese of Ende, and Head of Training and Capacity Building at LP3KD. He has also served as a trainer and judge in various Pesparani competitions at both regional and national levels, including at the National Liturgical Song Composition Competition during the Third National Pesparani in Jakarta.
At the national level, Fr. Fransiskus joins the Liturgical Music Team of the Liturgy Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) and currently holds the position of Secretary of the KWI Liturgy Commission for the 2025–2028 term. Internationally, he participated as a presenter at the Asian Liturgy Forum in Manila in 2019 and served as Caeremoniarius during the Papal Mass at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta in 2024.
Through his service, formation work, and contributions to the development of the Church’s liturgy, Fr. Fransiskus Yance Sengga remains committed to enhancing the quality of worship and the liturgical life of the Catholic Church in Indonesia.
Pinandita Gede Pastika (Hindu)
Pinandita Gede Pastika is an Indonesian Hindu religious leader actively engaged in strengthening religious life and enhancing the capacity of Hindu religious servants. With an academic background in education and social science, he is known for his commitment to promoting professional, inclusive, and Dharma-based religious services.
He currently serves as Chairperson of Pinandita Sanggraha Nusantara (PSN), an organization representing pinanditas (Hindu lay priests) throughout Indonesia. Under his leadership, PSN focuses on training, competency development, and strengthening the role of pinanditas in providing religious services to Hindu communities across the country.
As both a religious leader and organizational head, Pinandita Gede Pastika continues to promote the development of religious servants who demonstrate integrity, adaptability, and responsiveness to society’s needs. His work reflects a strong commitment to enhancing religious guidance while upholding mutual respect and harmony in Indonesia’s national life.
Bhikkhu Bhadranatha, Thera (Buddhis)
Bhikkhu Bhadranatha, Thera is a Buddhist religious leader actively involved in religious education, social service, and interfaith dialogue in Indonesia. Born in Talang Baru on November 5th, 1989, he is widely recognized for promoting the values of wisdom, tolerance, and harmony as essential foundations of community life.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Buddhist Religious Education from the Jinarakkhita Buddhist College (STIAB Jinarakkhita Lampung) in 2013, followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Pakuan University in Bogor in 2019, and a Doctorate in Educational Management from the same university in 2023.
He currently serves as Deputy Secretary General of the Sangha Agung Indonesia for the 2022–2027 term and Regional Secretary of Sangha Agung Indonesia (SAGIN) for Jakarta and Banten. In these roles, he coordinates programs for Buddhist community development, organizational strengthening, and religious and social activities to foster unity amid Indonesia’s diversity.
His contributions have also received international recognition. In 2025, Bhikkhu Bhadranatha represented Indonesia’s Buddhist community at the closing ceremony of the Indonesia Pavilion during World Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. Through these various roles, he continues to promote religious moderation, interfaith dialogue, and national unity within Indonesia’s pluralistic society.
Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo (Confucian)
Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo is a Confucian religious leader, author, and community activist who has dedicated many years to the development of the Confucian community and religious life in Indonesia. Born on March 31st, 1960, he studied Agricultural Engineering at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) before pursuing management studies at the Prasetiya Mulya Institute of Management and earning a Master of Management in International Business from the University of Indonesia.
Within the Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia (MATAKIN), Xs. Budi has held numerous leadership positions since 1993, including Head of Education, Secretary General, Chairperson for two consecutive terms (2002–2010), Member of the Presidium, Secretary of the Council of Clergy, and later Chairperson of the Council of Clergy and Central Executive Board for the 2018–2022 term.
Beyond MATAKIN, he has also been active in civic organizations, serving as Vice Chairperson of the Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI) and Executive Chairperson of the Indonesian Xiangqi Association (PEXI). Through his leadership, scholarship, and lifelong service, Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo continues to contribute to the development of the Confucian community, the promotion of interfaith dialogue, and the strengthening values of brotherhood, harmony, and national unity in Indonesia. (PR of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of State Secretariat/GUN) (RD/AW)
