BALI 2027

Everyone has the freedom to practice their religion and to worship according to their religion and beliefs (1945 Constitution, article 29).

Asia’s “triple interfaith dialogue” generally refers to exchanges and collaborative initiatives between representatives of Asia’s three main religious traditions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. These dialogues aim to foster mutual understanding, respect and cooperation, while addressing common challenges such as social harmony, environmental concerns and peace-building. Deeply rooted in Asian history and culture, these three religious traditions share common values while offering unique perspectives on spirituality, ethics and the human condition. Harmonious relations have developed between the peoples of Asia. Indeed, solidarity and fraternity have become essential values for Asian families, and it’s important to note that pluralism characterizes Asian society, whether in the economic, political or social spheres.

Asia is a melting pot of cultures and religions. Other religions are also present, such as Christianity (Catholic and Protestant) and local religions. The Catholic Church, faithful to its mission of building peace and promoting mutual respect between different faiths, plays an essential role in inter-religious dialogue in Asia.

Interestingly, some Asian societies can be described as a hotbed of cultural and religious pluralism. Many people convert from one religion to another, such as Hinduism and Islam, or Catholicism and Islam. Indeed, many priests, brothers and nuns, whose parents were not Catholic, live under the same roof in perfect harmony. In this way, they become an example of interfaith dialogue within their own families.

Certainly, misunderstandings can arise within a multi-faith household. However, such families foster deeper mutual understanding and respect, and can develop a more inclusive worldview, valuing the commonalities between religions while respecting differences in everyday life. In practical terms, these families are often microcosms of inter-religious harmony, demonstrating that mutual respect and love can transcend religious boundaries and be rooted in mercy. This would be the best pastoral witness to the Good News, a witness that takes root in our very homes, as expressed by the 1974 assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Taipei. The importance of dialogue in the pastoral activities of the Catholic Church in Asia was underlined, with the FABC defining three axes of dialogue: dialogue with cultures, dialogue with religions, and dialogue with the poor. These dialogues are aimed at social justice, unity and peace between peoples and religions. This three-way dialogue approach, as the pastoral care of the Catholic Church in Asia, should undoubtedly be the cornerstone of relations between people of different religions, cultures and nationalities.

Indonesia is known as the world’s largest of Muslims and a dynamic center of interfaith dialogue. The country’s rich religious mosaic – including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and indigenous beliefs – presents both opportunities and challenges for fostering interfaith harmony. Indonesians live in a religious pluralism where Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism coexist. There are also local religions such as Parmalim in North Sumatra province, Sunda Wiwitan in Banten province and Marapu on the island of Sumba. The majority religion is Islam (87.06%), followed by Christianity (10.47%); then Hinduism (1.68%), Buddhism (0.71%), Confucianism (0.03%), and finally traditional or other religions (0.05%).

In the face of religious pluralism, the Indonesian government has taken proactive steps to promote interfaith harmony, notably through institutions such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the establishment of interfaith forums, such as the Indonesian Interfaith Network (Jaringan Antar Iman Indonesia). These initiatives aim to ease tensions and encourage cooperation between religious groups.

For example, the Indonesian government has built a tunnel linking the Istiqlal Mosque (the country’s largest mosque) and Jakarta Cathedral. This tunnel has become a symbol of the “of the “authentic and profound relationship of brotherhood in mercy between people of different religions, which in Indonesian stands for “Terowongan Silaturahim”. Terowongan Silaturahim “. It was inaugurated on September 6, 2024 by Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar and Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia.

The fundamental philosophy of Indonesia is called Pancasila. It emphasizes belief in one God, humanity, national unity, democracy and social justice for all Indonesians. This framework promotes religious tolerance and mutual respect, and serves as a basis for interfaith dialogue.

Concerned with promoting harmonious relations, tolerance and mutual respect, the Catholic Church in Indonesia is taking proactive measures and has become a key player in inter-religious dialogue, drawing on its commitment to social harmony and human dignity, as well as on mercy as the foundation of its collaboration with other religions.

As part of the actions undertaken, Indonesia’s 38 dioceses, with a total population of some 8 million faithful, wish to live out the Gospel message and Church documents relating to inter-religious dialogue and the ecumenical movement within their respective dioceses, in accordance with their pastoral program, based on mercy and compassion. In addition, each diocese has set up a commission for interreligious dialogue, as mandated by the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).

All constituted commissions, whether at diocesan or KWI level, should take the initiative in creating interreligious dialogue programs by communicating with other religious leaders in the country. In addition, the Catholic Church must actively participate and collaborate closely with government programs in order to concretize interreligious dialogue at various levels. The KWI sees this approach as an integral part of Catholic identity and characteristics, rooted in the spirit of the Gospel, where mercy is at the heart of dialogue. Thus, the dialogue of life between peoples, academic dialogue, whether spiritual or theological, and cooperation in networking charitable actions for people affected by natural disasters will be good examples of the Church’s collaboration with other religions and government.

Mercy, therefore, is at the heart of our interreligious dialogue. certainly the central theme of many religious traditions, including Christianity and Islam, which will undoubtedly play a decisive role in inter-religious dialogue in Asia and Indonesia. This shared value lays the foundations for mutual respect and cooperation between different religious communities, enabling everyone to feel God’s mercy, ever present in visit and expression of our fraternity. God’s mercy should become the source of tolerance and brotherhood in Indonesia.

Asia’s triple interfaith dialogue should be a dynamic initiative aimed at building peaceful, collaborative and harmonious relationships between people of different backgrounds. By building on the values shared by different religions, addressing common challenges and fostering sincere respect, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam can join forces to become builders of peace, mercy and compassion in our own communities and countries. The active role of the Catholic Church in facilitating and participating in these dialogues further enriches the process, testifying to its commitment to unity in diversity, in this wounded world, in order to achieve the ideal of a peaceful and harmonious life for all humanity.

Hoping and praying that efforts continue, this interfaith dialogue could serve as a model for global interfaith collaboration, inspiring people around the world to celebrate their common humanity while honoring their unique traditions and cultures with humility, collaboration and respect for all humanity.