Following the Heroes’ Value of Tolerance

On this International Day of Tolerance, the Human Initiative specifically presents an article about the value of tolerance. Indonesia is an archipelagic country with 273 million people that are rich in different cultures. One of the advantages of this country is none other than arising from the unity of the various colors that exist among us. In the midst of racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic and even religious pluralism, we can maintain and uphold the value of unity for the welfare of one another.

“The state guarantees the freedom of every citizen to embrace his own religion and to worship according to his religion and beliefs.” That is if the sentence written in the 1945 Constitution article 29 paragraph 2. Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism are religions recognized by the state. As residents of a country that recognizes 6 types of religion, we are all required to respect and have high tolerance among religious believers.

However, initiator friends, do you know what inter-religious tolerance really is? What are the limitations? Let’s study together.

Tolerance Value

Inter-religious tolerance is an attitude to respect and appreciate other religious groups while still doing good and being fair to others. We should emulate this attitude from the previous heroes in order to avoid discrimination in the midst of many different groups or groups in a community group.

Real heroes never question what a person’s background is. Never question a person’s skin color, religion, ethnicity, or other differences. For a hero, the most important thing is to have a fighting spirit and a common vision and mission for the future of the nation.

There is only one limit in tolerance among religious believers, namely tolerance in matters of theological belief and practice. In this case, it means that we are not allowed to exchange beliefs or participate in worship activities of other religions.

The example of todays heroes who voice tolerance can be seen in the figure of Lian Gogali. She founded the Mosintuwu Women’s School in Poso to unite women from various religious backgrounds. Evidently, this is effective in preventing inter-religious conflicts.

Previously, the Human Initiative had also held a prayer event with interfaith humanitarian mobilizers entitled ‘Ayo Pulih Indonesia.’ On this occasion, 6 interfaith leaders were present, each of whom will lead the prayer, as well as the COVID-19 task force and a Muslim scholar, KH A. Mustafa Bisri.

Through this activity, the Human Initiative intends to strengthen the relationship between each other and reflect a sense of caring for one another. The hope is that this joint prayer can foster a spirit of optimism in the community so that we are sure that together we can survive through it.

Amid the diversity of beliefs, let’s hold on to each other while respecting each other. Let’s continue to maintain inter-religious harmony because we are #AllHeroes. Happy International Day of Tolerance.

Happy tolerance!