Waisak Strengthens National Unity
President Prabowo Subianto extended his Waisak Day greetings to Buddhists in Indonesia and around the world. The message was conveyed via video during the main ceremony of the 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) Tri Suci Waisak celebration held on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
‘On this Waisak day, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, personally and on behalf of the government, extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Buddhists in Indonesia and worldwide,’ Prabowo stated on Monday (1/6).
In his message, the Head of State emphasised that the significance of this year’s Waisak can serve as a guide for the entire populace to strengthen national life and governance.
‘The spirit of this year’s Waisak, with the theme ’Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom, Love as the Source of World Peace’, should inspire us all to continually strengthen brotherhood, spread goodness, prioritise dialogue, and maintain harmony in community, national, and state life,’ Prabowo said.
He also highlighted diversity as one of Indonesia’s key strengths. According to him, differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, traditions, and customs are not obstacles as all citizens share a common goal to build a better Indonesia.
‘Indonesia is a great nation because of its diversity. We have varying backgrounds in ethnicity, religion, culture, and traditions, yet we are united by a shared aspiration: to build a peaceful, just, prosperous, and harmonious Indonesia,’ he explained.
During the occasion, Prabowo urged the public to maintain unity and optimism despite global challenges and uncertainties. He stressed the importance of hard work, mutual support, and community cooperation to achieve welfare for all citizens.
‘Amidst the world’s uncertain challenges, Indonesia must remain steadfast in unity and optimism. We must continue to work hard, support one another, and collaborate to realise welfare for all Indonesians,’ Prabowo stated.
Furthermore, he noted that the teachings of Waisak carry important values that strengthen the nation’s identity. He believes that compassion, tolerance, and wisdom will further solidify Indonesia as a nation upholding humanity and peace.
‘I am confident that the values of compassion, tolerance, and wisdom taught in Buddhism will further strengthen Indonesia’s character as a nation that upholds humanity and peace,’ he said.
Prabowo also called on the public to use the Waisak commemoration to strengthen national solidarity, enhance dedication to the nation, and increase social concern.
‘Let us use this Waisak celebration as an opportunity to strengthen national brotherhood, reinforce the spirit of service to the nation, and increase care for one another,’ he added.
Prabowo hoped that the noble values of Waisak would continue to illuminate the nation’s path towards progress. He wished for wisdom, peace, and compassion to guide Indonesia’s steps towards a more advanced, modern, strong, and harmonious future.
‘May the light of wisdom, peace, and compassion always illuminate our path in building a progressive, modern, strong, and harmonious Indonesia,’ he concluded.
The Lantern Festival, also known as ‘Lantern of Peace’, remains a highly anticipated event for Buddhists and both domestic and international tourists.
The sacred ceremony to collect the Dharma Fire from the Eternal Flame source at Mrapen in Manggarmas Village, Godong District, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, took place on Friday, 29 May 2026.
The 2026 Waisak celebration’s theme is ‘Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom: Love as the Source of World Peace’.