'€œIt does not matter about the identity of your religion or tribe. If you can do something good for everyone, people never ask what your religion is'€.

This quote from Abdurrahman '€œGus Dur'€ Wahid is still an inspiration for many Indonesians.

Indonesia is culturally, politically and above all religiously diverse. There are six officially recognized religions (Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism) and various ethnic groups, as well as many different languages and dialects.

However, Indonesia considers itself as one nation state despite regional challenges.

From one side, differences of faith and culture are examined and assessed as the wealth of the nation, a place where people of different religions and culture appreciate or respect each other, learn from each other, enrich each other and reinforce religious values and faith.

Existing diversity need not be contradicted, but must be viewed from a positive standpoint and serve as the nation'€™s wealth.

Followers of different religions and cultures should be able to live together in harmony and peace, mutual respect, mutual help and love each other.

But in the history of religious and cultural life, it often happens that differences serve as a triggers for disagreement, discord and conflict.

Such incidents are sad and make many people worry.

Brotherhood, harmony and peace will be threatened if we cannot overcome our differences.

One example is the case of Galang Press director Julius Felicianus, who was attacked at his house along with other Catholics.

We need to pay special attention to the problems and explore measures to solve them.

We must not accuse and prejudice other religions, ethnicities, individuals or groups.

One way is to engage in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Dialogue is not debate.

Dialogue is about learning how to listen, critical thinking and respect.

It'€™s about having the broad-mindedness to accept differences. In the terminology of Pancasila, we call it deliberation.

Do not be easily to be provoked. We must try to know in advance the true purpose of those who try to provoke us.

We need to boost our understanding of our national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and we need more people to implement dialogue to achieve peace.

Robinson Sinurat
Jakarta

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