“Harmony is part of Indonesia’s DNA. We must nurture and reinforce it so it becomes a strength in building the nation’s future,” Mu’ti said here on Sunday.
He delivered the statement while opening the Festival of Tolerance and Culture organized by the Indonesia Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Mu’ti noted that diversity has long served as Indonesia’s social foundation. Therefore, cooperation across religious and cultural groups is not merely ceremonial, but a reinforcement of national identity.
“Differences are not a source of division. They are the richness that allows us to strengthen one another and work together,” he emphasized.
He added that Indonesia can only move forward if harmony is maintained, particularly by ensuring equal space for all religious and cultural groups, including minority communities.
He outlined three keys to achieving authentic tolerance as part of the nation’s identity: open dialogue (head to head), sincere acceptance (heart to heart), and cooperation for shared benefit (hand to hand).
“This festival marks a starting point for building Indonesia’s future with the spirit of togetherness, harmony, and diversity,” he said.
Mu’ti added that strengthening harmony aligns with government efforts to uphold the nation’s ideology Pancasila and safeguard national sovereignty.
The festival, held for the second time, also featured a batik exhibition showcasing ethnic themes from various cultures and indigenous belief communities, alongside educational activities on diversity led by religious and cultural organizations.
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Translator: Asep, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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