RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) has placed Indonesia in the spotlight, praising the country’s ability to nurture interfaith harmony and openness. During the XII Plenary Assembly in Jakarta, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, bishops from across Asia expressed admiration for Indonesia’s approach, describing it as a living classroom for building fraternity across religions.

Their appreciation was conveyed to Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar during a visit to the Tunnel of Friendship and a meeting at Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Special Envoy of Pope Leo XIV, emphasized that Indonesia offers a vital example of how religious institutions can serve as inclusive spaces. “We learn from Indonesia how faith-based institutions can remain open, dedicated, and welcoming to all,” he said, as quoted on the Ministry of Religious Affairs' official website.

Cardinal Oswald also underscored the shared values of unity across traditions, citing parallels between the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Qur’an. He reminded leaders that in times of global conflict, religious figures carry a moral responsibility to foster dialogue and peace.

“As leaders, we influence society’s outlook. That influence must be used to strengthen fraternity and humanity,” he noted, recalling Pope Francis’s call for Asian bishops to work tirelessly for harmony.

Minister Nasaruddin, meanwhile, urged a shift from tolerance to work of unity. He argued that tolerance still implies separation, while unity builds genuine togetherness.

“We must move beyond acceptance toward collaboration. Unity is the stronger foundation for harmony in diversity,” he emphasized. He stressed the importance of involving youth, expanding spaces for interfaith encounters, and ensuring that collaboration becomes a necessity rather than an option.

The FABC assembly in Jakarta thus became more than a Catholic gathering, it was a platform to reaffirm Indonesia’s position as a global hub of interfaith harmony. By showcasing its model of unity, Indonesia strengthened its role as a reference point for peacebuilding and social justice across Asia. ***