Religious harmony

Religious harmony

From Forum Keadilan

In their speeches during the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's Ascension Day at Istiqlal Mosque, President Soeharto and Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher reminded the nation of the significance of religious harmony, as reflected in the state's coat of arms Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Despite the differences in religion, ethnic groups, food styles, clothes, languages and traditions, the Indonesian people are united as a nation.

In my opinion, whether or not harmony exists depends, to a great extent, on how the religious leaders behave and teach their people. Preachers (in the mosque, church or temple) should not touch on the value of each other's religion. The only person who knows any religion very well is the follower of that religion. But a preacher can of course praise his own religion without comparing it to another religion.

Not a single religion teaches its followers to hate or to oppose anyone who believes in another creed.

PUDIYANTI SURADIBROTO

Jakarta