Indonesia Walk for Peace: Symbol of Unity in Diversity
The international community has once again witnessed the strength of Indonesia’s tolerance roots through the ‘Indonesia Walk for Peace’ initiative. This spiritual journey, involving Buddhist monks from Thailand and Indonesia, is not merely a physical walking activity but a tangible manifestation of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika spirit that transcends national and religious boundaries.
On Monday, 25 May 2026, the delegation arrived in Yogyakarta and was received by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, at Bangsal Kepatihan. The meeting underscored Yogyakarta’s role as an inclusive cultural space for global peace messages.
In his address, Sri Sultan HB X provided a profound interpretation of the movement using the term ‘Niti-Laku’. He stated that the Indonesia Walk for Peace reflects a retrospective reflection on life’s journey, which is crucial for modern humanity.
‘It is niti-laku: looking back at historical footsteps through time and revitalising them to be meaningful for the present and future,’ said Sri Sultan.
For Ngarsa Dalem, the journey has two main dimensions:
The Indonesia Walk for Peace is a collaborative movement involving various societal elements. It is not only attended by Buddhist monks but also by followers from different regions across Indonesia.
The movement underscores that Indonesia’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity is a unifying asset rather than a divisive force. By walking together, participants demonstrate that differing footsteps can still converge on a common goal: peace.
Sri Sultan emphasised that the reception of the Buddhist monks was conducted with ‘open hearts and sincere warmth’, reflecting Indonesia’s character that upholds humanistic values above doctrinal differences.
The Indonesia Walk for Peace serves as a reminder to all that peace requires tangible efforts and consistent steps. Through the Niti-Laku philosophy, this journey from Thailand to Borobudur sends a powerful message to the world that Indonesia remains a welcoming home for diversity and a living laboratory of peace. (AT/I-1)