Message of Tolerance from Easter Celebrations throughout Indonesia

Last Sunday (16/4) the celebration of Easter took place lively in various regions in Indonesia. In doing so, Christians do not forget the strengthening of tolerance and diversity in society. Various forms and moments of this celebration also echoed the message.

As revealed by the General Secretary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Rev. Gomar Gultom. For him Easter is one form of God's solidarity with mankind.

"Christians must make it happen with fellow children of the nation regardless of their origin, religion and religion. Must join in solidarity with the children of other nations. There is no confirmation of other groups, "said Pdt. Gomar in a speech at the Easter Celebration in Jakarta.

He also expects church members to sow seeds of peace and coolness. "We strive for prosperity in a life together in the midst of diverse ethnicities, languages, religions and national culture," he added.

Meanwhile the priest in the patron saint of Santa Maria was appointed to Jakarta (Church of Jakarta Cathedral), Father Ch. Kristiono Puspo, SJ, invites Catholics in the capital to behave fairly as a form of commemoration of the 2017 Easter Celebration holy day. "The invitation for fair behavior in accordance with the Second Precepts of Pancasila is contextual with the concerns that arise in Jakarta society in the form of violence, injustice, and mutual aversion," he exclaimed in the Easter Mass at the Cathedral Church.

In Denpasar, Bali, the Passover service with members of the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia (GPIB) was centered at Praja Raksaka Square, Kepaon. Rev. Abraham Supriyono from GPIB Maranatha Denpasar stated that the essence of the crucifixion was not his death, but suffering on the eve of death, "Christ sacrificed to save all humanity, without discrimination, so we should emulate him in daily behavior," he said.

From Malang, East Java, Rev. Andreas Nurmandala Setiono from Malang Baptist Church, said that the Easter Day is the right moment to remind everyone to respect diversity. "Easter is a good time to respect differences and uphold values of tolerance. Maintaining togetherness so that diversity that is undergoing this process remains sustainable, "he said.

Andreas revealed that all parties always prioritize mutual care. "For Christians to emulate the love of Christ by paying attention to the surrounding environment, especially those who are still lacking," he said.

In the City of Menado, North Sulawesi, the Easter celebration was lively. Interestingly, even other religious communities also helped guard the celebrations which became a big holiday in this city. Muhammadiyah Youth Chairperson of North Sulawesi, Salman Saelani said, during the Easter event all his cadres along with other religious communities were ready to secure and succeed this Christian holiday.

"Muslims in general are required to display a culture of tolerance. It is not only symbolic tolerance but authentic long-maintained in North Sulawesi, "he said. He also stressed the high level of togetherness in North Sulawesi. "Tolerance is also a stable capital of security, and economic growth in the city of Manado," concluded Salman.

News and Photo Sources: Koranjakarta.com