"We have intensive meetings with the Holy See. They want to follow up the Istiqlal Declaration with tangible and measurable actions," Umar stated here on Thursday.
He said that Indonesia and the Vatican will discuss actions revolving around three main issues in the Declaration: dehumanization, the post-war situation, and environmental protection, which are directly related to human prosperity and survivability.
"The Vatican side highlighted the need for global collaboration in addressing humanitarian and environmental crises. They viewed the Istiqlal Declaration as highly relevant and applicable to respond to the challenges," the minister said.
According to Umar, Indonesia and the Vatican will develop joint actions that emphasize interfaith education, humanity values, and sustainable development advocacy.
"Indonesia and the Vatican shared the commitment to strengthening peace, tolerance, and social justice," he added.
Highlighting his recent visit to Rome to attend the International Meeting for Peace "Daring Peace", Umar said that world religious leaders are hopeful that Indonesia can play its role as a leader in global peace dialogue and initiatives.
During the agenda, the minister met Pope Leo XIV and religious leaders to discuss follow-up actions to the Istiqlal Declaration, inked together by Umar himself, as the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, and Pope Francis in 2024.
"It is the time for Indonesia to play its key role in realizing world peace. We have extensive experience in managing diversity, and it becomes our capital to contribute at the international level," he remarked.
The Istiqlal Declaration was signed by Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar during the Interreligious Meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque in September 2024, as part of the Pope’s visit to Indonesia.
The Declaration, which aims to address two major global crises of dehumanization and climate change, calls on religious leaders to promote shared spiritual values to “defeat the culture of violence and indifference afflicting our world” and to work together in resolving global challenges.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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