Lestari Moerdijat: Diversity Must Become the Nation's Strength in the Momentum of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) RI Lestari Moerdijat has stressed the importance of making diversity the main strength in building the nation, especially amid the momentum of Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations, which occur almost simultaneously as a real symbol of harmony in Indonesian society.

According to her, Indonesia has been built from the foundation of diversity, which requires every citizen to respect one another.

“Indonesia is built on the foundation of diversity. Respecting others is an obligation, not an option. Harmony among religious communities must continue to be nurtured,” said Lestari Moerdijat in a written statement on Wednesday (18/3).

Nyepi Day, the Hindu New Year Saka 1948, coincides with the night of takbiran on 19 March, while Muslims are expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah on 20 March 2026. This momentum reflects the ongoing practice of tolerance in Indonesian society.

The politician, affectionately known as Rerie, emphasised that respecting differences is the duty of every citizen. According to her, diversity must become a strength for building the nation, not a source of division.

A survey by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in collaboration with Alvara Strategic Research in 2025 showed that Generation Z recorded the highest tolerance index with a score of 80.03 in the indicator of not disrupting other religious activities. This figure surpasses Millennials (78.77), Generation X (78.97), and Baby Boomers (78.81).

Rerie assessed that this achievement should serve as a trigger for all elements of society to continue preserving the established values of tolerance.

“This achievement must be maintained. We must not let ourselves be divided by differences. Instead, differences should be united for the nation’s progress,” said the member of the NasDem Party’s High Council.

On this occasion, Rerie also extended congratulations on Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr to the Indonesian people celebrating them. She hopes that strong tolerance values will help Indonesia address various challenges in nation-building and statehood, both now and in the future.