Our Nation is Strong Only Because of Tolerance

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - “Our nation is strong only because of tolerance. Without tolerance, there is no strength.”

That statement was made by Philip (65), one of the participants in the cross-faith leisurely walk organised by Jakarta Cathedral in Central Jakarta on Saturday (9/5/2026), as part of the celebration of the 219th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KAJ).

According to him, the participation of people from various religions is proof that tolerance in Jakarta is still well-maintained and serves as an important foundation for national unity.

The cross-faith leisurely walk was joined by thousands of people from diverse religious backgrounds. Each parish in various regions was asked to invite interfaith communities to participate as a form of strengthening tolerance.

Ustadz Saifuddin (61) from Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, expressed a similar view.

He said he has participated in the Archdiocese of Jakarta’s cross-faith activities for three consecutive years.

Saifuddin believes that such activities are important for strengthening togetherness among people of different faiths in Indonesia’s diverse society.

“Togetherness and cross-faith events like this are very good for Indonesia, which has a wide variety of religions; this is extremely beneficial,” he said at the location.

In addition to serving as a leisurely walking sports event, the activity is also seen as capable of strengthening brotherhood across religions.

Therefore, Saifuddin hopes that similar events can be held more frequently so that people from various beliefs become more accustomed to living side by side.

He also views cross-faith events as important for educating the younger generation that differences in beliefs are not barriers to mutual respect and companionship.