Letter: Reject intolerance through writing

I believe there are many ways to combat religious intolerance and promote interfaith acceptance and understanding, not only in Indonesia but around the world.

Perhaps one good way would be for various reputable national organizations to promote an annual essay contest in Indonesia under the topic “Why I believe no major religion is better than any other”, or “Why God wants everyone on earth to be kind to each other, regardless of their faith”, or something along those lines.

Prizes could be awarded, such as free tuition to an institute of higher learning of their choice, or perhaps even a free trip to a religious site of their choosing, anywhere in the world.  

Furthermore, the winner could only receive their prize if they shared it with a person of a different faith so as to allow them to travel to their own unique religious site anywhere in the world.  

This sort of annual contest should be covered extensively by the media and open to all educational levels, from junior high school and upwards.

I don’t think any reasonable person, government or organization would be opposed to such an idea.

Peter Andrew
Denpasar, Bali