RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT CONFERENCE: ASIA, AFRICA, AND LATIN AMERICA HELD IN BANDUNG

Bandung, December 20, 2023—the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a religious moderation conference Asia, Africa, and Latin America (KMBAAA) in Bandung, taking place from December 20 to 22, 2023. Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, who opened the event, stressed the importance of KMBAAA as a major milestone in strengthening religious moderation at the global level. "KMBAAA is an effort by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to strengthen religious moderation at the global level as well as take part in world peace efforts in the midst of various international conflicts,” said the Vice Minister of Religion in Bandung. This event is not only regarded as an academic forum but also as a reminder of the spirit of solidarity among Asian, African, and Latin American nations. KMBAAA aims to internationalise religious moderation in the region as part of the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 58 of 2023 on strengthening religious moderation. According to the Vice Minister of Religion, religious moderation is expected to be a global solution to reconcile world conflicts and encourage religious and national life that is harmonious, peaceful, and tolerant. "KMBAAA is expected to strengthen literacy and the spirit of solidarity for a peaceful life,” he added. The chairman of PBNU, Kh Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya), also stressed the importance of responding to global conflicts. "We must continue to voice World Peace, given the huge impact of conflicts that can threaten human civilization," said Gus Yahya. Gus Yahya also invited world leaders to draw inspiration from the 1955 Asian-African Conference initiated by President Sukarno, encouraging similar conferences in the future that are larger and have an impact. The main goal of KMBAAA is to call on countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to stop the escalation of conflicts and create global peace. KMBAAA, initiated by the agency for research, development, education, and training (Balitbang Diklat), the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and PBNU, is expected to be an impactful strategic forum for leaders of these countries. KMBAAA will carry the theme "Religion and Humanity" and cover sub-themes such as religious moderation, nationalism and multiculturalism, moderation in divine texts and literature, religious tolerance, and digital media. The conference presented international speakers from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The event was attended by various dignitaries and ambassadors from Asian, African, and Latin American countries, as well as representatives of international institutions and organizations. KMBAAA is expected to be the preliminary event for the Asia-Africa and Latin America Summit to be held in 2024.