DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE OF THE MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA, JEANE MARIE TULUNG, VISITS WEST NUSA TENGGARA AND URGES CHRISTIANS TO STRENGTHEN RELIGIOUS HARMONY

On July 19, 2024, Jeane Marie Tulung, Director General of Christian Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, made a working visit to West Nusa Tenggara. At the GBI Rock Mataram Ministry, she attended a meeting with Christians. Hundreds of Christians from various denominations enthusiastically attended the event.

In her speech, the Director General of Christian Guidance expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to meet directly with Christians in West Nusa Tenggara. She said, "This is an extraordinary opportunity for me to meet all of you, feel the spirit of togetherness, and see firsthand how religious life here is running well."

The Director General encouraged Christians to continue maintaining and nurturing the peace, tolerance, and harmony that have been harmoniously established. "Our shared duty is to ensure that this harmony is continuously maintained and even strengthened. Peace, tolerance, and harmony are the foundations of a strong and united nation," she said.

"The participation of Christians in various fields of life is very important to strengthen the unity and progress of the nation. Let us continue to contribute positively in society," she added.

Furthermore, this working visit included in-depth discussions with local religious leaders and community figures about the challenges and opportunities in maintaining religious harmony in West Nusa Tenggara. The Director General also emphasized the importance of regular dialogue and mutual understanding among different religious groups to overcome differences and strengthen unity.

The Director General also expressed her gratitude to Johson P. Nainggolan, the Head of Christian Guidance at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of West Nusa Tenggara, who had worked hard to facilitate this meeting. "Thank you to Mr. Johson and the entire team who have made this event possible. This meeting is very meaningful for all of us," she proudly stated.

After the meet-and-greet, the Director General proceeded to Lombok Astoria Hotel to officially close the Pioneers of Religious Moderation event for church leaders and local government officials. The aim of this event was to strengthen the commitment to religious moderation and enhance understanding and cooperation among religious communities.

"This event would not be successful without the support and cooperation of various parties. I thank everyone involved," said the Director General at the closing ceremony.

"Each of us has an important role in creating a harmonious and peaceful environment. Be agents of change that bring positive impacts to our surroundings," she said.

In addition, the Director General reaffirmed the Ministry of Religious Affairs' commitment to continuously support initiatives that promote religious moderation and tolerance. "We will continue to accompany and support efforts aimed at strengthening religious moderation and interfaith harmony. This is part of our shared responsibility to build a better nation."

Through this visit, the Director General hopes for stronger ties between the government and Christians in West Nusa Tenggara and better cooperation in maintaining and promoting the values of tolerance and peace in Indonesia. "This activity will be an important milestone in the journey towards a more just, prosperous, and civilized society. May we all be inspired to continue working towards the realization of a just, prosperous, and civilized society," concluded the Director General.