Pope Francis: Indonesia's Most Valuable Treasure Is Harmony, Not Gold Mines

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis emphasized that Indonesia, a vast country with a diverse population of various cultures, ethnicities, and religions, is a rich nation. “If it is true that Indonesia is home to the largest gold mine in the world, understand that the most valuable treasure is harmony,” he said at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

He commended Indonesia's motto of unity in diversity, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which represents the harmony of people with diverse religious backgrounds.

He noted that in many countries, differences can lead to war and social conflict which are often fueled by the manipulation of religion. This manipulation arises from a lack of respect and appreciation for one another.

“This problem is an obstacle to achieving harmonious coexistence,” the Pope stated.

The Supreme Leader of the World Catholic Church attended an interfaith dialogue event at the Istiqlal Mosque. Alongside Grand Imam Nasarudin Umar, he signed the Istiqlal Declaration, symbolizing a commitment to harmony between religious communities.

The Pope expressed his belief that unity is born from the bonds of human friendship. Through the shared declaration, Jorge Mario Bergoglio—the Pope's real name—hoped that religious leaders would assume responsibility for maintaining harmony.

“In the face of various social crises and conflicts, shared values are crucial for all religions to possess, enabling society to dismantle the culture of violence and indifference and foster reconciliation and peace,” Pope Francis said.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA

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