FOURTH RELIGIOUS MODERATION MONUMENT IN MALUKU PROVINCE UNVEILED

Maluku Tengah (DBK) On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Jeane Marie Tulung, the Director General of Christian Community Guidance, inaugurated the fourth Religious Moderation Monument in Maluku Province. Located in Negeri Waraka, Seram Island, Central Maluku Regency, the monument signifies the long-standing tolerance practiced by the people of Seram. The Islamic community in Waraka welcomed the guests with interfaith dances and gambus music, showcasing the region's cultural diversity and beauty. Every step taken during the event reflected the spirit of harmony and unity. "There are three communities in Waraka: Islam, Christianity, and Catholicism. Despite religious differences, we are united in customs, culture, and tradition," said Richard YB Lailossa, the Raja of Negeri Waraka, as he welcomed the Director General and her entourage. "In Waraka, we all live as one family, whether Muslim, Catholic, or Christian, sharing a sense of togetherness and responsibility to maintain harmony," he added. "Our community remains united, sharing one flesh, one heritage, and one currency, regardless of religion." "We must stay united and maintain our integrity as brothers and sisters, supporting the unity of the Republic of Indonesia because it is non-negotiable," he concluded. In her speech, the Director General praised the tolerance and harmony fostered in Negeri Waraka.

She emphasised the importance of maintaining interreligious harmony. "This monument is not just a symbol, but a commitment to continually nurture tolerance and harmony within the community," she said. She further noted that the Religious Moderation Monument inaugurated today symbolises unity in diversity. "Strengthening religious moderation is a priority programme of the Minister of Religious Affairs. I hope that every time we see this monument, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining interfaith harmony and tolerance." May Waraka Village continue to set an example for the broader community by fostering interfaith harmony and tolerance. "I hope this step will inspire many other regions to follow suit in building a peaceful and civilised society." Attending this historic event were the Assistant to the Regent and the Police Chief of Central Maluku Regency, the Head of the Christian Community Guidance Division of the Maluku Provincial Ministry of Religious Affairs, representatives from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and leaders of the Protestant Church Classis in Central Maluku, as well as Christian, Islamic, and Catholic religious counsellors, teachers, religious school staff, and interfaith leaders.