Keynote Address H. E. Retno L. P. Marsudi Minister for Foreign Affairs the Republic of Indonesia at the International Conference on Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy: “Multi-Faith Collaborations in an Inclusive Society”
Bismillahirrahmaanirrahiim
Assalamualaikum Warahmatuullah Wabarakatuh,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Salam Kebajikan,
Rahayu,
Yang saya hormati,
Prof. Dr. Alwi Shihab, guru saya,
Bapak Mathius Ho,
Ambassador Al Ghaith,
Bapak Theo Sambuaga,
Bapak Dhahana Putra,
Mr. Iqbal Akhtar,
Mr. Brett Scharffs,
Dan tentunya, Imam Besar Masjid Istiqlal.
Excellencies,
Participants,
and speakers.
I am so honored to be invited in this important gathering. And warmly welcome to all of you. My gratitude to our civil society organizations and media partners for their contributions to this significant conference. Special appreciation goes to the Leimena Institute, the driving force behind this event.
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Today, the quest for peace remains both urgent and elusive because our global landscape is very complex. Most concerning are more open conflicts claiming more lives worldwide, from the war in Ukraine to the situations in Afghanistan and Palestine, questioning the existence of solidarity and humanity.
In Gaza alone, more than 37.000 people killed, most of them are women and children. All atrocities must be stopped. Humans and humanity should be put as top/number one priority.
Colleagues,
Resolving these conflicts requires conflicting parties to have a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. But this willingness does not fall from the sky, we must pursue it. Political leaders bear this responsibility, but so do we, all elements of society, particularly religious leaders.
These conflicts are not inherently religious, but religious elements are often present, intensifying tensions. Therefore, understanding diverse faiths becomes crucial, an endeavor we must always nurture.
Freedom of each religion must be legally guaranteed, diversity must be respected. And do not let our religious differences create fanaticism and cause tensions.
This is why Indonesia actively works with the international community for THREE agendas: FIRST and foremost, strengthening tolerance. In the absence of this, social polarization may escalate into tension or even open conflict. Our region, ASEAN, is not immune to this. As home to nearly 700 million people, ASEAN embodies diversities. Many religions and beliefs coexist within its borders.
Without robust tolerance, ASEAN cannot endure more than 5 decades and achieve greater integration. To this end, Indonesia promotes the principle of 'Unity in Diversity', Bhineka Tunggal Ika, to foster cross-religious and cross-cultural understanding. We must continue to uphold this principle as we navigate the complexities of global affairs.
SECOND, promoting inclusiveness. Diverse beliefs must be seen as an asset to our peace advocacy. When parties from various backgrounds participate in constructive dialogue, our solutions sharpen. Therefore, Indonesia earnestly engages global religious leaders.
Yesterday, I accompanied President Jokowi to meet the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar. We discuss about peace and tolerance. In September, we look forward to receiving Pope Francis from Vatican.
Colleagues,
Interfaith dialogue is an important part of Indonesian Diplomacy. We have 34 interfaith dialog partner countries, to collaborate in promoting literacy across cultures and religions. Even to address the situation in Afghanistan, for example, we also involve our Ulamas to engage with their counterparts in dialogues and share our madrassa curriculum to pave the way for the Afghan women's access to education.
THIRD, fostering multi-faith collaboration.
Colleagues, this is the reason why we are here at this conference. Our stark differences must not stand in our way to bolster respect and collaboration for humanity.
This is also why Indonesia fights for the State of Palestine, pushing for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the provision of unhindered humanitarian assistance to save more lives and resume peace process for the two-state solution.
Colleagues,
Our differences must be our strengths and assets, not weaknesses. Through dialogue and multi-faith collaboration, let us build a better and more peaceful world.
And thank you very much, and I officially open the International Conference on Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy. I wish you have a productive discussion.