Minister calls on Buddhists to promote peace on Vesak Day
He said the theme of Vesak 2026, “Dharma: Maintaining World Peace,” is highly relevant to the current global situation.
Umar explained that Dharma is not merely a religious teaching but also a guiding principle that helps people remain steadfast in the values of truth, morality, and wisdom amid the challenges of modern times.
“Dharma is not just a teaching, but a light of life that guides humanity to remain steadfast in the values of truth, morality, and wisdom amidst the dynamics of the times. This includes maintaining world peace,” he said in his Vesak Day message on Sunday.
According to the minister, the spirit of maintaining world peace begins within each individual. Therefore, the value of compassion serves as an essential foundation for fostering harmony within families, communities, nations, and the global community.
Umar, who also serves as the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen can practice their faith safely, peacefully, and with dignity.
“I have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that every citizen can practice their faith peacefully and reverently. At the same time, maintaining harmony is our shared responsibility as fellow citizens,” he said.
He noted that all religions teach noble humanitarian values and that religious life should serve as a force for strengthening brotherhood rather than creating division.
“Religion exists to humanize humanity. The wisdom taught by Buddhism aligns with universal humanitarian values that serve as the basis for harmonious coexistence. Love must continue to be the primary foundation in maintaining national unity,” the minister said.
He also expressed hope that the Vesak Day commemoration would go beyond a religious celebration and serve as a platform for reflection to nurture harmony, safeguard national unity, and promote world peace.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari