Speaking at the 2026 National Vesak Day commemoration at Lumbini Park in the Borobudur Temple Complex, Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday evening, Gibran addressed Buddhist leaders and followers from across the country.
"Tonight's Vesak celebration at Borobudur is not only a religious celebration, but also a powerful symbol that Indonesia is a shared home that upholds peace, values diversity, and is able to turn differences into strength," he said, according to a statement confirmed on Monday.
"As a great nation, Indonesia certainly needs unity and peace as strong assets for development. Therefore, I invite all Buddhists in Indonesia to continue to be pioneers of peace, strengthen the spirit of tolerance, and actively contribute to maintaining interfaith brotherhood," he added.
Gibran said Buddhist teachings such as metta (loving-kindness), karuna (compassion), and panna (wisdom) remain highly relevant in addressing increasingly complex challenges in modern life.
On the same occasion, he conveyed greetings from President Prabowo Subianto to Buddhists celebrating Vesak at Borobudur.
In a recorded video message shown during the event, Prabowo said Vesak is not only a spiritual moment for Buddhists but also an opportunity for all Indonesians to strengthen brotherhood, harmony, and national unity.
"The spirit of Vesak this year, with its theme 'Dharma as a Source of Morality and Wisdom, Love as a Source of World Peace,' should inspire us to continue strengthening solidarity, spreading kindness, prioritizing dialogue, and maintaining harmony in our community, nation, and state," the president said.
The commemoration also featured the release of 2,570 lanterns, symbolizing a shared hope for peace, unity, and a more harmonious future.
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Translator: Genta Tenri, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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