From Dec. 6 to 9, a transformative training session on diversity and peace unfolded at D’Senopati Hotel Yogyakarta, engaging 35 pastors from the Indonesian Protestant Church in Western Indonesia (GPIB).
The training, orchestrated by the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), aimed to enrich the spiritual leaders in various facets of religious understanding and communal harmony.
Dr. Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras, a lecturer at ICRS, outlined the program’s comprehensive coverage, delving into vital topics such as navigating religious diversity, exploring the intricate interplay of politics and religion, unraveling the complexities of religiously veiled radicalism, fostering interfaith relations, addressing religion-linked environmental concerns, and cultivating an appreciation for diverse beliefs.
This initiative represents the symbiotic collaboration between ICRS and GPIB, a testament to their joint commitment to nurturing institutional inclusivity within the church.
GPIB’s alignment with ICRS’ mission to conduct studies on religious history and cross-religious studies reflects a shared dedication to minimizing conflicts among diverse religious communities.
Dr. Epafras lauded the collaborative spirit, stating, “I appreciate the collaboration built by GPIB, which has worked with ICRS for the development of institutional inclusivity within the church.”
Pdt Imanuel E Raintung, the Second Chair of the Synod Council, expressed the optimism that such training instills in pastors and church leaders, fostering a profound understanding of religious and national diversity.
“We want pastors to be able to build relations between the church community and society, as well as mediate social issues,” he articulated.
As an integral part of the training, a visit to the Regional Leadership Council of the Indonesian Islamic Propagation Institute (DPW LDII) took place at the Al Fattah Kalasan Mosque complex in Sleman on Dec. 8, 2023.
Pdt Imanuel E Raintung expressed gratitude for visiting the DPW LDII office and delving into its various religious programs. The GPIB pastors aimed to foster a deeper understanding of LDII and its initiatives.
“On behalf of the GPIB, here to learn about diversity, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the LDII National Working Meeting opened by President Joko Widodo on Nov. 7,” he shared.
Dr. Atus Syahbudin, the Chair of DPW LDII in Yogyakarta, elaborated on LDII’s multifaceted service programs, spanning education, Sharia economics, and environment and food security.
He shed light on LDII’s adaptability and mitigation strategies in the face of climate change, championing a smoke-free lifestyle to bolster the low-carbon movement.
Furthermore, LDII in Yogyakarta actively supports the Climate Village Program, a village-centric initiative dedicated to environmental sustainability in various parts of Indonesia.
Dr. Syahbudin underscored that LDII’s contributions to environmental issues and its successful initiatives transcend religious or belief boundaries.
Discussing LDII’s policy on tolerance regarding loudspeakers in mosques, he emphasized the institution’s dedication to minimizing disturbances to neighboring communities.
“We have policies, one of which is that the sound system of the mosque doesn’t always have to be audible. Regular religious study sessions must be disciplined and not announced through the mosque’s loudspeaker. We try to understand and respect the surrounding community,” Dr. Syahbudin concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson