Minister of Religious Affairs calls National Easter in Central Sulawesi a real example of tolerance

Sigi (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that the celebration of the fifth National Easter Service in Central Sulawesi Province (Sulteng) serves as one of the proofs of the strength of religious tolerance and diversity in the region.

“This evening is truly extraordinary because we are celebrating differences in the momentum of the fifth National Easter; through this celebration, it is evidence that Central Sulawesi has become one of the exemplary regions for tolerance,” he said when met by the media in Sigi on Sunday.

He explained that the success of the National Easter celebration was due to all layers of society and community organisations (ormas) coming together shoulder-to-shoulder to ensure the success of the 2026 National Easter Service.

“The beauty of tolerance in Sulteng is in giving each other the opportunity to perform worship, and that is very touching for us all, meaning that a very beautiful situation has grown in the city of Palu in general and Central Sulawesi,” he said.

“Hopefully in the future, we make the Indonesian tolerance laboratory located in the city of Palu, Central Sulawesi,” he added.

Nasaruddin described this National Easter as an event of faith, national reflection, and the nurturing of commitment from all parties as citizens living in diversity yet remaining united in the spirit of unity and brotherhood.

“The Easter celebration carries very profound meanings because of the values of sacrifice, resurrection, and new hope. These values are truly not only the property of Christians but also a universal inspiration for all Indonesian society in building national and state life,” he said.

The city of Palu and Sigi Regency as hosts of the fifth National Easter have shown that harmony is not just a concept but a living reality that can be realised.

“Of course in this region, we see the diversity of ethnicities, cultures, and religions blending in beautiful harmony. This is truly the face of Indonesia,” he stated.

Governor of Central Sulawesi Anwar Hafid expressed appreciation to all Christians who have given their trust to the province to hold the fifth National Easter in the area.

“We are very proud and happy because this National Easter Service celebration ended peacefully and smoothly,” he said.