MPR Deputy Chairman Views Diversity as a Strength in Nation-Building

Deputy Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie), believes that diversity must become a strength in building the nation amid the momentum of closely timed major religious holidays. The coincidence of two major religious celebrations almost simultaneously is a blessing and concrete evidence that Indonesia lives in harmony within its diversity.

“Indonesia is built on the foundation of diversity. Respecting others is an obligation, not a choice. Interfaith harmony must continue to be nurtured,” said Rerie in her statement on Wednesday (18/3/2026).

Nyepi Day for the Saka New Year 1948 for Hindus coincides with the night of takbiran (19/3) for Muslims, who are expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah on 20 March 2026.

Rerie stressed that respecting differences is the duty of every citizen. According to Rerie, who is also a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) RI, diversity must become a strength for building the nation, not the opposite.

A survey conducted by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) in collaboration with Alvara Strategic Research in 2025 revealed 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).

This note, according to Rerie, must serve as a trigger for every child of the nation to continue preserving the values of tolerance they possess.

“This achievement must be maintained. We must not allow ourselves to be divided by differences. Instead, differences must be united for the progress of the nation,” said Rerie.

On that occasion, Rerie extended congratulations for celebrating Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr to Indonesian society who observe them.

Rerie hopes that with strong tolerance values from every child of the nation, Indonesia will be able to address various challenges in national and state life in the present and future.