MPR Leader: Diversity is the Capital for Building the Nation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat, has stressed that diversity is the capital for building the nation and reminded that Indonesia is a nation built on the foundation of 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 Lestari in her statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

She also viewed the momentum of two major religious holidays occurring almost simultaneously as a blessing, as well as concrete proof that the Indonesian nation lives in harmony amid diversity.

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

The politician, affectionately known as Rerie, emphasised that respecting differences is the duty of every citizen.

A survey conducted by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs 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 surpassed Millennials (78.77), Generation X (78.97), and Baby Boomers (78.81).

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

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

On that occasion, Rerie extended congratulations on celebrating Nyepi Day and Idul Fitri to Indonesian society who observe them.

“May with the strong tolerance values from every child of the nation, Indonesia be able to address various challenges in national and state life in the present and future,” she concluded.