Ruang Damai Elevates Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr Values as Foundation for Global Peace
The Ruang Damai Foundation successfully convened a webinar entitled “The Spirit of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr for Global Peace” on Monday, 16 March, affirming that spiritual values embodied in Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr can form an important foundation for building global peace amid rising world geopolitical tensions. The forum served as a strategic space to respond to geopolitical dynamics whilst strengthening Pancasila ideology and the integrity of the Indonesian nation-state as a national unifier.
Ruang Damai Executive Director Zainal Abidin emphasised the importance of dialogue as a bridge for peace that brings religious values to the global level. “This activity is expected to provide important lessons in supporting world peace, particularly amid global controversies occurring at present, such as those affecting the Iran region. Ruang Damai believes that religious values are the foundation of peace,” he said.
Interfaith dialogue activist Wawan Gunawan warned of the threat of existential vacuum that causes society to lose cultural roots. He also highlighted the dangers of puritanism, which risks triggering group superiority and identity clashes.
As a solution, Wawan encouraged the revitalisation of local wisdom such as the menyekar tradition, which is laden with meanings of reflection and respect. “Indonesia need not be Islamicised; rather, it should reflect the concept of ‘Indonesian Islam’—a form of Islamicity that grows and takes root firmly within the context of local community social life,” he asserted.
International relations expert Robi Sugara highlighted the challenges of the 6.0 Revolution, which he considered could disrupt social stability if not balanced with mental preparedness. He also warned that religious sentiment is often politicised in global conflicts.
“We must promote local values, such as the concept of silence in Nyepi and the Halalbihalal tradition, to be elevated as important instruments in national policy through to global diplomacy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Persadha Nusantara Bali Chairman I Ketut Sae Tanju affirmed that Nyepi is not a negotiation space for other religions’ celebrations, but rather a religious and cultural identity of Balinese society that must be respected. He offered the philosophy of “sufficiency” as a basis for creating harmony in diversity.
“The concept of Nyepi can serve as a global model for humanity to provide rest time for nature and maintain environmental balance,” he explained.
The webinar concluded by emphasising the importance of strengthening digital literacy and intercultural dialogue as a filter for facing global challenges, whilst affirming the urgency of ongoing discussion to build understanding without mutual judgment.