PRESS RELEASE NO. 194/SP/HM.01.02/POLHUKAM/11/2022

The spirit of common action to build national peace in all countries should continue to be strengthened. This was underlined by the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security (Menko Polhukam) Moh. Mahfud MD as keynote speaker at the Interfaith Leaders Dialogue, Tuesday (29/11) in New Delhi, India.

“So far, some religious leaders have not understood each other. At yesterday’s seminar, they agreed on the importance of this issue and they saw that Indonesia has made life as a nation harmonious with religion,” Mahfud MD told reporters today, Wednesday (30/11).

This inter-religious dialogue received a very good echo in New Delhi. The participants were personalities from various religions, such as Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism and Islam.

On this occasion, Mahfud MD, who was accompanied by a number of scholars and religious leaders from Indonesia, pointed out that Indonesia, like other nations in the world, also faces many social challenges, but that these problems are resolved within a framework of harmony in diversity. .

“The contribution of scholars and other religious leaders is very important in overcoming the social challenges facing modern society in Indonesia,” said the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, who also has a Santri background.

To leaders of various religions

In India, Mahfud shared his practice and experience in Indonesia that scholars and other religious leaders have played a major role and contribution in building a culture of inter-religious peace and social harmony in Indonesia. .

“Ulema and other religious leaders have played an important role in the harmony of Indonesian society since the beginning of Indonesian history, from the struggle for independence from colonial rule to modern times today. ‘today,” Mahfud said of how Indonesia has strengthened the common vision of nationality. despite different religions and beliefs.

According to Mahfud, dialogue and discussion between clerics and other religious leaders will foster a culture of peace between religions by providing a way to share best experiences.

“A harmonious society free from intolerance and discrimination will make our world a better place,” Mahfud added.

In addition to the productive discussions, Mahfud was impressed with the Indian government’s hospitality and service to the Indonesian delegation, which he considered very special.

“The Government of India’s service to the delegation of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs is very special. Apart from delivering the keynote address, I was also invited to a lunch full of quality discussions with the National Security Advisor (NSA) Mr. Ajit Doval,” Mahfud continued.

According to Mahfud, Ajit Doval will send a team to Indonesia to cooperate further, especially in terms of de-radicalization, disaster management and exploring the educational system of Islamic boarding schools.

In the afternoon, the delegation led by Mahfud MD was received directly by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. “It’s something that happens rarely. We drank tea and chatted while staying relaxed with Prime Minister Modi,” Mahfud continued, recounting the Indian government’s warm welcome to the Indonesian delegation.

Not only that, in the evening, a lively gala dinner was also held at the NSA Ajit Doval Residence, to welcome and celebrate this Interfaith Leaders Seminar as well as a tribute to the Indonesian delegation led by Mahfud MD.

“Indonesia is treated so honourably. Maybe it is because during the G20, the Indonesian government also highly respected Prime Minister Modi and India delegations,” said Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs, legal and security.

Academics and religious leaders who attended with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs included a number of NU personalities such as Masykuri Abdillah and Abdul Mogsith Ghazali and Cholil Nafis of MUI, Abdul Mu’ti of Muhammadiyah , also Mohammad Zaitun Rasmin of Wahdah Islamiyah. Also present as members of the delegation were Nengah Duija, Jeane Marie Tulung and Adiyarto Sumardjono, who each represented the Hindu, Christian and Catholic religions.