Indonesia, Japan Students Share Lessons on Religious Harmony, Diversity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia underscored the importance of learning from global experiences to strengthen coexistence in increasingly diverse societies. This spirit was highlighted during an audience with Japan's Chuo University Professor Hisanori Kato and 17 students in Jakarta on Monday, August 10, 2026.

The delegation, which had previously visited Indonesia’s Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) in 2024, returned to deepen their understanding of how Indonesia manages diversity. Welcoming them, Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Kamarudin Amin emphasized the role of religion as a moral and ethical foundation supporting national progress.

“Religion in Indonesia has evolved beyond private practice into a public instrument actively promoting global peace,” he said, as quoted on the ministry's website, noting that the ministry oversees 25 percent of national education through 75,000 religious schools, embedding moderation from an early age.

The session was interactive. One Japanese student asked about the inclusivity of Islamic philanthropy, particularly whether zakat could be distributed to non-Muslims. PKUB head Muhammad Adib Abdushomad explained that while zakat is a Muslim obligation, Indonesia also practices sedekah--a broader, inclusive form of giving that transcends religious boundaries.

Another question explored whether Indonesia, often seen as a model of harmony, is also open to learning from others. Adib stressed that exchange must be two-way, citing Japan’s discipline, work ethic, and kaizen--the spirit of continuous improvement--as values worth adopting.

The Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) Jakarta, represented by Romo Antonius Suyadi, presented innovative programs such as the School of Interfaith Studies and Peacebuilding (SABDA) and Kampung Kerukunan. These initiatives demonstrate how harmony is nurtured systematically, from youth education to grassroots engagement, rooted in Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

The visit enriched both sides: Indonesia shared its experience of coexistence through values of unity and mutual respect, while also drawing lessons from Japan’s cultural strengths. The exchange affirmed that interfaith dialogue is not limited to visits but serves as a shared space to discover new ways of sustaining peace. ***