Interfaith book aims to preserve harmony

A book about different religions in Indonesia is set to be launched in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, in the hope of preserving tolerance among people of different faiths.

“This will be a guidebook for the people of Mataram to understand the religious practices of others,” Djuanin Adnan, chairman of Mataram’s Ulema Council, said during a gathering initiated by the Mataram Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB).

The gathering, held at the Mataram mayor’s office, was also attended by United States’ consul general Kristen F. Bauer.

Djuani said that the book would contain general descriptions of respective religions’ teachings, religious rituals and holidays. He said the book would be published this year.

“Copies of the book will be distributed to citizens, with the hope that people of different faiths will understand each other’s religions. People are expected to respect each other’s religious practices,” he said.

While Mataram seems to have avoided major problems of religious intolerance, reports of persecution of religious minorities elsewhere throughout the country have made media headlines.

The government has been blamed for its sluggish response and lack of policies that would prevent the repetition of such cases in the future.

Mataram FKUB chairman Wildan said religious tolerance in the city had been stronger ever since the establishment of the FKUB 10 years ago.

Like any other part of Indonesia, Mataram’s 350,000 inhabitants represent followers of five major
religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Konghuchu and Islam.

“The majority of Mataram’s people are Muslims and Hindus. They all live here harmoniously and peacefully,” he said.

Wildan attributed high levels of religious tolerance to strong communication links.

“We have focused on highlighting cultural similarities. By fostering mutual understanding among Mataram’s communities, we hope that should religious problems emerge, we could settle them immediately,” he said.

As a key part of its work, FKUB facilitates meetings for youths of different faiths.

Mataram is home to a variety of houses of worship, including 600 mosques, 115 Hindu temples, 10 churches and 5 Buddhist temples.

On her recent visit to the city, Bauer said she appreciated the harmonious life in Mataram and was enthusiastic about the planned launch of the interfaith book.