Religious Affairs Minister hopes Indonesia becomes the world's most tolerant example

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar hopes that Indonesia can become an example of the most pluralistic, tolerant, and harmonious country in the world. “That is our hope, our expectation for the future. No person, no human from any ethnicity, dislikes harmony, peace, and tolerance,” said Nasaruddin in Jakarta on Saturday. He stated that since independence, the level of harmony in Indonesia has been increasing. This is supported by the role of the Head of State who provides space for religious communities. Therefore, Nasaruddin hopes that no party will disrupt that peace. Furthermore, he mentioned one symbol of Indonesian tolerance, namely the presence of the Silaturahmi Tunnel connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. “Insha Allah, in the future, it will not stop here. We will also continue with various cross-cultural, cross-ethnic, interfaith, and cross-cultural activities, and truly make Indonesia a unity, Indonesia as a configuration like a painting,” said Nasaruddin. “We have already surpassed the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia. Our level of harmony has also reached its peak, please maintain it,” Nasaruddin revealed. Previously, the Global Residence Index report dated 16 January 2026 showed that Jakarta occupies the second position in the list of the safest cities in Southeast Asia in 2026 with a score of 0.72, below Singapore with a score of 0.90. Nasaruddin also wants other cities or regions in Indonesia to be like Jakarta.