Headline:
Indonesia‘s 2024 Christmas Head: Synergy Between Church and State Crucial for a Just, Prosperous Nation
Subheadline:
Thomas Djiwandono stresses the importance of listening to religious leaders for moral guidance in governance.
Article:
In an insightful discourse at the 2024 National Christmas Seminar in Jakarta, Chairman of the National Christmas Committee 2024, Thomas Djiwandono, emphasized the significance of Indonesia heeding the voice of religious leaders, including those from the church, in navigating national affairs.
Djiwandono, also the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, highlighted the church’s role as an institution that has inherited a wealth of moral teachings, which can serve as a compass for the nation, guiding its direction and preventing it from veering off course.
He underscored the need for synergy between the church and the state to foster an Indonesia that is fair, prosperous, and upholds ethical values. Djiwandono called upon all stakeholders to join forces in tackling humanitarian and environmental crises, urging them to work together towards a common goal.
In his speech, Djiwandono also touched upon the Declaration of Independence (Istiqlal), which was signed by religious figures from various backgrounds, including Pope Francis and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman, Nasaruddin Umar. The declaration, he noted, underscores Indonesia’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and tackling social conflicts, while also highlighting the importance of preserving the environment.
Djiwandono iterated that the declaration asserts the significance of interfaith cooperation in combating dehumanization and environmental degradation. "In the declaration, the environment is viewed as a divine gift that must be nurtured, not merely exploited," he concluded.
Originally reported by CNN Indonesia.
End of Article.