Indonesia participates in interfaith dialog in Slovak and Poland

Jakarta, NU Online
An Indonesian delegation comprising prominent religious figures have left for Europe to participate in interfaith dialogs to be held in Slovak and Poland, according to a diplomat.<>

The interfaith dialogs were being organized by the Indonesian Government in cooperation with the governments of Slovak and Poland, Al Busyra Basnur, the Indonesian foreign ministry's Public Diplomacy Director, noted in a press statement on Tuesday.

"The focal point of the implementation of interfaith dialog in Indonesia is the foreign affairs ministry with the cooperation of the religious affairs ministry," he remarked.

Members of the delegation include Romo Agus Ulahayanan (Catholic), Priest Dr Martin Lukito Sinaga (Christian), Dr Candra Setiawan (Confucian), Prof. Mudjia Rahardjo (academician of UIN Malang), and Prof. Azyumardi Azra of the Jakarta State Islamic University (UIN Jakarta).

Other members who will deliver presentations during the dialogs are Eusabius Binsasi of the religious affairs ministry's director general in charge of Catholic affairs, the religious affairs ministry's Inter-Religion Harmony Center Mubarok, and the foreign affairs ministry's Public Diplomacy Director Al Busyra Basnur.

During their stay in Slovak, on October 27-31, 2014, they are scheduled to hold dialogs at the University of Comenius and the University of St Cyril & Methodius Trnava.

The Indonesian embassy in Bratislava will screen two short films respectively titled "Senyawa" directed by Wregas Banuteja and "Tanda Tanya" directed by Hanung Bramantyo, which portray harmony and tolerance.

During their stay in Poland, on November 1-6, 2014, they will hold interfaith dialog at the University of Bialystiok, deliver a public lecture, and hold meetings with the local officials.

The Malang State Islamic University and the Jakarta State Islamic University will sign MOUs with the University of Bialystok. Indonesia has organized interfaith dialogs with 25 countries since 2004.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq