Amirullah, an official at the directorate, noted that the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a focus group discussion to prepare for the planned festival, which revolves around Istiqlal as Southeast Asia's largest mosque.
"In order to revive the Istiqlal Festival, we organize this discussion to connect with those involved in holding the previous editions of the event," he remarked at the discussion held in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Amirullah underscored that the Istiqlal Festival has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Islamic art and culture in Indonesia.
The official regarded the festival as an educational and cultural diplomatic means that is expected to help the government enhance people's understanding of Islamic art and culture and promote tolerance amid diversity.
"It is important that we revive this festival, placing it as a platform to preserve Islamic art and culture and create related innovations while strengthening Indonesia's cultural diplomacy at the international level," he emphasized.
He highlighted that Indonesia had organized two editions of the Istiqlal Festival, each in 1991 and 1995.
"The Istiqlal Festival depicted a 'living Islam', reflected Indonesia's unique Islamic values, and acted as a hub of Islamic culture, both in Southeast Asia and Indonesia. The festival also played a role as a unique cultural diplomacy instrument (of Indonesia)," he stated.
Furthermore, Amirullah assured that the planned Istiqlal Festival III would retain the concept of blending modern and traditional artistic and cultural elements, placing itself as a "common home" to diverse Islamic cultural expressions applied by Muslims from Indonesia and other countries.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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