RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar - Dozens of bhikkhus from several countries began the Indonesian Walk for Peace (IWFP) 2026 from Brahmavihara Arama Monestery, Banjar Tegeha, Banjar Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, Bali, on Sunday, May 10. They will walk towards Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, covering a distance of around 500 kilometers.

The IWFP 2026 features 50 monks from Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They have embarked on a walking pilgrimage from Bali to Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, to commemorate Vesak Day on May 31. The journey is expected to take approximately 20 days, with an anticipated arrival date of May 28.

Governor of Bali Wayan Koster has called upon citizens and local administration to support the monks participating in the IWFP 2026. The spiritual journey, which traverses Bali before heading toward Central Java, is viewed as a significant symbol of global peace and religious harmony.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure everything runs smoothly and successfully. Let us pray that this 20-day journey reaches its destination safely and without obstacles,” Koster said during the official send-off at Brahma Vihara Arama, Buleleng, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Governor Koster emphasized that this is a historic event, marking the first time such a large-scale international walking pilgrimage has been hosted in the region. He noted that the campaign for peace is perfectly aligned with the provincial vision of Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, which prioritizes the sanctity and harmony of Bali's nature and its people.

“This is something very sacred. It is a noble and extraordinary determination. We hope this activity serves as a source of inspiration for all of us, not just in Bali, but for the entire Indonesian nation, to always live with full tolerance and peace,” he added.

The Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo R. Muhammad Syafi'i, who also attended the send-off, praised the spiritual tradition. He remarked that the pilgrimage proves that the foundations of tolerance and moderating one’s desires to spread peace have long existed in the Indonesian archipelago.

“This is proof that all our religions teach peace, brotherhood, compassion, and tolerance,” the Deputy Minister concluded. ***