TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Kids learn tolerance, diversity through friendships

“Did you know that the architect of Istiqlal Mosque was a Christian?” a guide asked hundreds of children gathered in Southeast Asia’s biggest mosque in Central Jakarta on Saturday

The Jakarta Post
Jakarta
Tue, July 25, 2017

Share This Article

Change Size

Kids learn tolerance, diversity through friendships

“Did you know that the architect of Istiqlal Mosque was a Christian?” a guide asked hundreds of children gathered in Southeast Asia’s biggest mosque in Central Jakarta on Saturday.

Most of the children shouted “No” to the question.

The guide then continued telling the children that the architect of one of Jakarta’s landmarks was Friedrich Silaban, the son of a pastor hailing from North Sumatra. The children whispered to each other in excitement at the new information they had just received.

Around 450 Muslim and Christian children from deprived areas across the capital joined the trip in an event called “Berteman, Yuk” (Let’s be friends!), which promotes friendship and diversity among children of different religions.

The Indonesian Children Proclamation (PAI) and Daya Dharma Foundation (LDD) held the Children’s Voice Festival to commemorate National Children’s Day, which fell on Sunday.

The organizers took the children, accompanied by their parents, on a trip to Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral on Saturday.

Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral have long been viewed as Jakarta’s beacons of tolerance. Being located near to each other, the two houses of worship promote respect among people from different religious backgrounds.

Jakarta witnessed religious polarization during the lead-up to the 2017 gubernatorial election. Although the election was held in April, the divisiveness appeared to continue raising concerns about diversity, which has long been lauded as one of Indonesia’s strengths.

“I am so excited that I could finally visit this mosque and it’s during National Children’s Day so I’ve many new friends too and some of them are from different religions,” 12-year-old Ahmad Aufa Ahdan said.

Herman Yoseph Marsudi from the Daya Dharma Foundation said the program aimed to invite children to understand and respect diversity, especially amid a rise in sectarian sentiment.

“There is so much violence these days; bullying, hate speech and racism all spread on social media. As if people with different backgrounds can’t be friends with each other,” he said.

Through the program, children aged 5 to 15 were encouraged to befriend those of different faiths, he said.

“By knowing there are differences, it will help children to become more accepting. They should be taught that diversity does not prevent friendship,” Herman said, adding that the organizers initially planned to introduce the places of worship of six official religions to the children, but time restrictions precluded this on Saturday.

Meanwhile, PAI chairman Bayu Jiwo said the organization held the event in order to raise public awareness about children’s rights protection.

“[Children’s Day] is an important opportunity to raise the awareness of all citizens to fulfil their duties and responsibilities in upholding children’s rights,” he said expressing concerns about growing instances of bullying, sexual harassment and also sectarianism that could affect children.

Ferly Anggreini, a 15-year-old West Jakarta resident, said that it was her first time to visit both Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque.

“I am so glad that I could visit the mosque,” said the Christian vocational high school girl.

The event on Saturday marked the opening of the entire program to commemorate National Children’s Day held by the organizers. The series of events will end on July 29 with a children’s artwork exhibition held in the child-friendly integrated public space (RPTRA) of Berseri in East Jakarta. (dra)

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.