Tourism Minister urges public to use Vesak to strengthen virtuous values

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has called on the public to use Vesak Day 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) as an opportunity to strengthen virtuous values relevant to national life and governance. ‘On this blessed and wise day, we are reminded of the profound essence of Vesak. The universal values it embodies are not merely spiritual foundations but a moral compass guiding us to live in peace, tranquillity, and boundless compassion. Diversity and tolerance are Indonesia’s true identity and strength,’ Tourism Minister Widiyanti said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Monday. The minister added that this year’s Vesak commemoration, themed ‘Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom’, encourages the public to use the occasion for self-reflection, strengthening brotherhood, and preserving the environment to achieve peaceful and harmonious life. The release of lanterns symbolises illuminating life, releasing negative energy, conveying prayers, and expressing hopes for a peaceful and wise existence. The annual event, organised by the Indonesian Buddhist Representatives (WALUBI) and the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Council (MBMI), has received full support from both central and local governments. Hartati Murdaya, Chairperson of WALUBI’s Central Board, thanked all parties for supporting this year’s Vesak celebrations. ‘This support gives hope for harmonious, peaceful religious coexistence, enabling the nation’s development to proceed smoothly,’ Hartati said. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, accompanied by the Tourism Minister, stated that the Vesak celebration at Borobudur is not merely a religious observance but a strong symbol of Indonesia as a shared home that upholds peace, respects diversity, and turns differences into national strength. The Vice President noted that as a great nation, Indonesia requires unity and peace as its primary development assets. The noble Buddhist values of loving-kindness (Metta), compassion (Karuna), and wisdom (Panna) are highly relevant in addressing increasingly complex life challenges. ‘Therefore, let us pass on to our children and grandchildren a more harmonious, just, prosperous, and dignified Indonesia,’ the Vice President said. Also present was Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, who stated that Indonesia currently enjoys a high level of religious harmony. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the national Religious Harmony Index (KUB) stands above 76 per cent. ‘This figure reflects that macro-level social cohesion and religious tolerance in Indonesia are in a very healthy state. This figure must transform into moral sovereignty,’ Nasaruddin said. Through Vesak, the Religious Affairs Minister hopes each individual can build peace within themselves, as world peace begins with inner peace. The culmination of Vesak is the most sacred religious ritual for Buddhists and the largest annual observance. Beyond its profound spiritual significance, the event attracts both domestic and international tourists, enhancing Indonesia’s image as a nation that values diversity. This demonstrates how spiritual, cultural, and tourism values can coexist and reinforce each other in building Indonesia’s image as a nation that respects diversity. The Vesak 2026 celebrations will take place throughout May, beginning with simultaneous community service activities at all National Heroes’ Cemeteries as a gesture of respect and gratitude to the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence. Spiritual activities, environmental care initiatives, social programmes, and peace lantern releases will also feature in this year’s celebrations.