Dutch Envoy Praises Indonesia's Religious Harmony, Eyes Stronger Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A Dutch envoy has praised Indonesia's model of religious harmony and moderation, recognizing it as a valuable example of peaceful coexistence while reaffirming its commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in education, culture, and interfaith dialogue.

Dutch Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, Paul Bekkers, conveyed the appreciation during a meeting with Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

"We appreciate the concepts of tolerance and religious moderation successfully developed by Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs," Bekkers said, as quoted on the Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry's official website.

The meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation between the ministry and the Dutch Embassy, while exploring ways to strengthen collaboration on religious harmony and social affairs.

Bekkers described the partnership as productive and said it should continue to expand into areas such as education, interfaith harmony, culture, and religious social programs.

"We admire Indonesia for creating such a strong concept of tolerance. Together with Istiqlal Mosque, it also promotes a healthy environment and religious moderation," he said.

Minister Nasaruddin said Indonesia and the Netherlands have maintained a long-standing partnership and expressed hope that cooperation would continue to grow.

"It would be wonderful for this partnership to continue, particularly in education, culture, and religious social affairs," he said.

He added that Indonesia's Religious Moderation Program has generated significant benefits through cooperation with the Dutch Embassy, particularly in education and social initiatives.

The minister also proposed expanding cultural dialogue through joint programs, citing the Labbayk photo exhibition on the Dutch Muslim Hajj community held at Erasmus Huis as an example of successful collaboration.

"Indonesia's cultural diversity and religious harmony deserve to be showcased as a model for world peace," the minister said.

He added that both sides could further cooperate on environmental initiatives, policy exchanges, and other programs, allowing Indonesia to strengthen its role in promoting environmental sustainability and religious moderation internationally. ***