TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian ambassador to Vatican, Antonius Agus Sriyono said he will prioritize cultural and political diplomacy in his diplomatic mission as well as continuing the previous ambassador’s program in strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Vatican.
"The first mission will be focusing on cultural diplomacy. Vatican recognizes Indonesia as Muslim majority but now it is also known as a country that empowers the moderates." said Agus Sriyono in his visit to Tempo on Thursday, February 4, 2016.
Agus Sriyono’s second mission is political diplomacy. Vatican and Indonesia have the same stance in resolving Palestine’s case which is two states solution: Indonesia-Vatican is hoped to be able to live side by side in peace. Both countries have the same vision in supporting the Palestine’s case resolution.
The Ambassador will continue the Interfaith Dialogue program which was the previous ambassador’s program, Budiarman Bahar. “What has the Interfaith Dialogue reached by inviting several religious figures, will be developed," he said.
He plans to develop the Interfaith Dialogue program by inviting the groups deemed to be as extremist group in Indonesia to join in a dialogue, though he admitted that it was not an easy thing to do.
“I’ll try to do it. It’s not easy even if it’s only to invite; [they] probably won’t come. But I believe that there’s a middle way in life,” Agus Sriyono said.
Besides, Agus Sriyono to also present Saman dance originated from Aceh in Vatican if President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo answers the invitation to visit Vatican as he (Agus) impressed with the dance.
“I see the Saman dance is so beautiful. If the president come [to Vatican], I’ll show him the Saman dance. I’ll go with this,” he said.
Earlier, Vatican has officially invited President Jokowi to visit the country but Jokowi has yet given official statement regarding the visit.
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