Indonesia to Host Asian Pastors Conference, Showcasing Religious Tolerance

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia will host the Federation of Asian Pastors Conference (FAPC), a continent-wide church gathering, in Jakarta. The international event is scheduled to take place from July 20 to 26, 2026.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that hosting the event provides momentum to showcase Indonesia's face of tolerance to the world. According to him, the diversity of Indonesian society can serve as an example of maintaining social harmony.

"Hosting this conference is a golden opportunity to demonstrate to international delegates how Indonesia manages religious harmony," Minister Nasaruddin said during a cross-sectoral coordination meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The meeting will be attended by delegates from various Asian nations. In addition to attending the conference sessions, participants are also scheduled to visit the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral in Sawah Besar Subdistrict, Central Jakarta.

The visit serves as a symbol of interfaith relations in Indonesia. The two houses of worship are physically connected via the "Terowongan Silaturahmi" (Tunnel of Friendship) as a symbol of brotherhood and tolerance.

The Director General for Catholic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Suparman, stated that the government is providing full support for the implementation of this international event. This is to ensure all delegates receive the best possible service during their stay in Indonesia.

"The government is providing full support for this event so that our guests feel comfortable and safe," Suparman said.

He said that preparations have been made through coordination with various parties. Multiple institutions have been involved, ranging from Immigration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Secretariat, and local administrations, to other related agencies.

Suparman mentioned that the government hopes the event will be attended by President Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Jakarta Governor. Several interfaith figures will also be invited to the opening ceremony.

"During the opening, religious figures from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Protestantism will also be invited. This demonstrates that Indonesia, and Jakarta in particular, is highly tolerant of religious activities," he noted.

He assessed that the trust placed in Indonesia to host the Asian-level church meeting must be honored by providing top-tier service to the participants, especially since the event carries the nation's reputation on the global stage.

"I hope we can execute this to the best of our abilities, because the country's name is at stake," Suparman concluded.

In addition to reinforcing the diplomacy of tolerance, the event is also expected to boost national tourism promotion. The meeting serves as a platform to strengthen cooperation among Asian countries in building a harmonious societal life. (Diva Rifdah)