In a move reflecting the significance of religion as a means for peace, Jackie Mano Puti, President of the Indonesian Church Union, emphasized the necessity of maintaining religion's role in promoting civil peace during his meeting with Yusuf Kalla, the former Vice President of Indonesia, at his home in Jakarta. The meeting, held on Thursday evening, was in response to the controversy sparked by Kalla's recent statements at Gadjah Mada University, which were distorted across social media platforms.
During the meeting, Jackie clarified that a complete understanding of Kalla's 43-minute remarks reveals a context entirely different from the excerpts that were taken out of context. He pointed out that the distortion of the statements altered the essence of the core message Kalla intended to convey.
Details of the Meeting
Jackie stated, "When we listen to the statements in full, we can grasp the true meaning. There may be some phrases that were misrepresented or used inaccurately, but that does not change the essence of the message." He also shared his personal experience with conflicts in the Maluku region, where he recognized the dangers of using religion as a tool for conflict.
He added, "Religious conflicts, such as those that occurred in Ambon and Poso, demonstrate the destructive impact that using religion as a means for conflict can have. Religion must return to its noble role as a means for peace, not as a tool to justify violence."
Background & Context
Historically, Indonesia has witnessed numerous religious conflicts that have led to loss of life and destruction of communities. The conflicts in Ambon and Poso were among the bloodiest, where various groups used religion to justify their strife. These events remind us of the importance of promoting dialogue between different religions and cultures, a call made by Jackie during his meeting with Kalla.
The meeting was also attended by Din Syamsuddin, who played a prominent role in the peace process through the Malino Agreement. His presence reflects the importance of cooperation among various parties to enhance peace and stability in the country.
Impact & Consequences
Jackie's statements serve as a call to enhance interfaith dialogue, emphasizing the importance of direct communication and interaction among individuals. He said, "We must avoid being drawn into unreliable information, and we need to get used to direct meetings and dialogue." This call reflects the urgent need to address the challenges facing Indonesian society amid social and political divisions.
Jackie also pointed out that religion should not be a justification for violence, stating, "One cannot engage in conflict and then ask God to intervene in their strife. This contradicts the noble values of religion." This message holds significant importance given the current circumstances many countries around the world are facing.
Regional Significance
Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority country by population, serves as a model for promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue. The messages exchanged during this meeting carry important implications for the Arab region, where many countries suffer from sectarian and religious conflicts. Enhancing interfaith dialogue could be an effective solution to address these challenges.
In conclusion, enhancing the role of religion as a means for peace requires collective efforts from all parties, and there must be political and social will to achieve this. Indonesia, with its unique experience, can serve as a model in this regard.