Khofifah calls for strengthened tolerance through Indonesia Walk for Peace
Surabaya (ANTARA) - The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, has invited the public to strengthen tolerance, togetherness, and harmony between religious communities through the Indonesia Walk for Peace 2026, which is being participated in by 57 monks from various countries.
“Welcome to East Java, the Land of Majapahit, the land that introduces Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, that we are different but we are one in realizing harmony between humans,” said Khofifah when welcoming the group of monks participating in the Indonesia Walk for Peace 2026 at the State Building of Grahadi, Surabaya, Friday.
Khofifah said that the spiritual journey of the monks carries a universal message about the importance of peace and happiness in the current global situation.
“I would like to invite all of us from Grahadi to continue to voice peace and happiness. Bhante just mentioned how important a happy life is. And that is what we need right now,” she said.
The Indonesia Walk for Peace 2026 group consists of 57 monks from Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia who are traveling approximately 666 kilometers on foot to convey the message of world peace.
“This message is a universal message, in my opinion, this is something that must continue to be reminded to the world that peace is something that is needed by human life from any tribe, any religion, wherever they are, they need a peaceful life,” she said.
Khofifah hopes that this momentum can strengthen tolerance, togetherness, and harmony between religious communities in East Java and Indonesia.
“I think at the right time, this resonance will be heard and then followed because this voice of peace is a universal voice spoken by many communities and this time 57 Bhantes are conveying that message, walk for peace,” she said.
The head of the monk group, Bhante Phra Phanarin Oaksonthip, said he was happy to arrive in Surabaya on the seventh day of their spiritual journey.
“We are very happy because during the journey from Bali, the weather was hot, but when we arrived in Surabaya, it felt cool because there were many trees. Thank you for the warm welcome given by the government, the authorities and the community,” said Bhante Phra Phanarin.