Nurturing Tolerance

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO (PRI)

The Lion Dance attraction at the Chinese Market is an attraction for visitors at Taman Anggrek Mall, West Jakarta, Sunday (30/1/2022).

At present, we are facing difficult times because of the pandemic. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo's call to continue developing tolerance is becoming increasingly relevant.

The President conveyed the message when giving a virtual speech at the national celebration of the Lunar New Year on Saturday (5/2/2022).

Tolerance is an attitude of respecting and appreciating differences of opinion, views and beliefs among fellow human beings that may conflict with one’s own. In Latin, tolerare means patience and restraint. Therefore, a tolerant attitude often demands patience and even self-restraint so as not to jump to making judgments or humiliate others.

Also read:

> Modest Celebrations Across the Country

> Faith Believers Have the Right to the Same Service

In religious life, tolerance is important. Religious life, if interpreted narrowly and superficially, can even give birth to an attitude of intolerance. People of different religions may not feel united but may instead feel divided. Instead of encouraging love and mutual assistance, they can become hateful or hostile to one another. Religion that should have bred peace, in the end, may trigger conflict and war.

Tolerance is actually also a noble cultural heritage of the Indonesian nation that has been rooted in this country for centuries. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which was proposed by Mohammad Yamin to President Sukarno on the sidelines of the Preparatory Working Committee for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI) and was later made the state motto on 17 Oct., 1951, was the culmination point.

FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

The works of 104 artists on diversity are displayed in an art exhibition with the theme "Together in Difference, Different in the Same" at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Sleman, DI Yogyakarta, Wednesday (15/12/2021). The exhibition to inflame the spirit of diversity will last until December 22, 2021..

A century earlier, in 1851, the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika was written by Mpu Tantular in the kakawin of Sutasoma. The Old Javanese writing in Balinese script teaches the meaning of inter-religious tolerance embraced by Hindus and Buddhists in creating harmony among the people of Majapahit in religious life.

As a nation, we sometimes forget or do not appreciate the cultural heritage of our own country, which in many countries is often admired as a strength of the Indonesian nation. Therefore, the efforts of the President and the Religious Affairs Ministry to maintain and nurture tolerance should be appreciated.

Also read:

> Our Diversity

> Promote More Tolerance

The United Arab Emirates even proudly declares itself the most tolerant country in the world. They are also aggressively campaigning for the success of their country. The book titled Celebrating Tolerance, Religious Diversity in the United Arab Emirates by Andre Thompson is an account of that effort. The book tells of the diversity of religions there, including Islam, Armenian Christianity, Bahai, Buddhism and Hinduism, which coexist. "UAE is a land of tolerance, charity and peace," they proudly say.

The Covid-19 pandemic has made us all aware that whoever we are, regardless of faith, we can all catch the virus and even die. Now is the time for humankind to respect and help each other.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo