57 Monks from IWFP Arrive in Surabaya to Advocate Peace and Unity

Surabaya, East Java - Fifty-seven monks from four countries arrived in Surabaya during the Indonesia Walk for Peace (IWFP) spiritual journey to Borobudur Temple, voicing messages of peace and the spirit of unity amid the nation’s diversity.

Local committee members from the Wihara Buddhayana Dharmawira Center in Surabaya City, led by Romo James Pala Joewono, who accompanied the monks, stated that the group will stay in Surabaya for two days before continuing their journey to the peak of Vesak Day celebrations at Borobudur Temple.

“We are escorting the monks and stopped at the National Mosque Al-Akbar in Surabaya before proceeding to today’s stop at the Wihara Buddhayana Dharmawira Center,” said Romo James to journalists in Surabaya, East Java, on Thursday.

He explained that the group had previously visited the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kanwil Kemenag) on Jalan Raya Juanda before continuing on foot to the Surabaya area.

During the journey from Sidoarjo, Romo James said that four monks experienced fatigue and had to continue by vehicle, while the other 53 arrived safely at the National Mosque Al-Akbar in Surabaya.

He noted that the spiritual journey began in Bali on 7 May 2026 before the group crossed to Banyuwangi and continued through at least 10 regencies and cities in East Java Province.

Romo James mentioned that this year’s route differs from previous years, which typically started from Thailand and passed through Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java before reaching the finish line at Borobudur Temple.

The journey, spanning more than 600 kilometres, is scheduled to end at Borobudur Temple on 28 May, while the peak of Vesak Day celebrations will take place on 30 May 2026.

“We are advocating for peace and also proclaiming Bhinneka Tunggal Ika because Indonesia is a pluralistic nation, so all people must unite to build the country by prioritising love and compassion,” said Romo James.