Jakarta, Indonesia – UPF-Indonesia, in partnership with The Voice of Istiqlal, convened a one-day international conference, “Interfaith Dialogue: IAPD-IAPP Joint Assembly,” on October 16, 2023. The three-session conference, held in Al-Fatah Hall of the Istiqlal Mosque, focused on the theme: “The Role of Governments, Civil Society and Interfaith Cooperation in Nation Building.”
The Voice of Istiqlal is an outreach program initiated by the Istiqlal Mosque to promote diversity, tolerance, gender equality, and interfaith dialogue in Indonesia and around the world.
The program began with six religious representatives participating in the Water of Harmony Ceremony, symbolizing unity among religions and their common quest for peace. Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, offered a prayer, followed by his keynote address.
About 100 participants from the political, academic, and religious spheres, representing all faith traditions, attended. Three panels of speakers, representing UPF and its related associations, the International Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), gave their views on the theme.
Hon. Dave Laksono gave special remarks from his perspective as a member of the Indonesian Parliament. Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, rector of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta (UIN), shared his thoughts on building an inclusive religious awareness. Rosita Tandos shared her thoughts on women’s role in peace and security.
The final session focused on youth perspectives. Mr. Ronnie Sadusta shared his vision of youth building a world of peace; H. Bukhori Sail Attahiry gave a presentation on the Istiqlal Foll Youth Forum; and Dr Budi Utomo shared about common ground based on Quranic concepts.
Following their talks, UPF presented tokens of appreciation to the speakers.
By Alfred Forno, Secretary General, UPF-Indonesia
October 16, 2023
