TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said the provincial government attempted to preserve unity in the capital city by issuing fair policies. One of them is by providing operational assistance funds for houses of worship (BOTI).

"In Jakarta, we maintain this unity with various programs, including assistance for places of worship of all religions so people can perform their prayers properly,” said Anies in a written statement, Thursday, March 17.

According to the governor, unity will exist when justice and equality are present. Anies made the statement during the 34th General Conference of the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia (GPdI) at Grand Mercure Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Thursday.

Jakarta is a reflection of Indonesia, he opined. The nation is unique since solidarity can be preserved in the midst of diversity among people.

“Diversity is a gift from God, but unity is our effort,” Anies added.

BOTI funds are allocated in the city government’s grant budget at the Spiritual Education and Mental Bureau. In the 2022 Jakarta Regional Budget (APBD), the budget for places of worship and institutions in the capital reached Rp352 billion. However, it is not yet known how much for BOTI alone.

In 2021 Jakarta APBD, the city government under Anies Baswedan set the grant for houses of worship of various religions at Rp140.520 billion.

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LANI DIANA WIJAYA