Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – The Malang City Government (Pemkot) through the National Unity and Politics Agency (Bakesbangpol) held the Malang City Interfaith Harmony Forum Facilitation in order to realize religious moderation towards Malang as a tolerant city in the hall of the Lowokwaru District Office, Friday (11/3/2022).
The Mayor of Malang, Drs. H. Sutiaji, in his direction said that Malang City is a miniature of the archipelago that has a diversity of tribes, languages, customs, cultures, races, religions and other diversities. Since long ago, Malang City has had a conducive social environment that has helped create a healthy, peaceful and calm development ecosystem.
"This has become an attraction for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, students and workers from various regions so that it often becomes a barometer of national tolerance," explained Sutiaji.
Sutiaji said, the demographic portrait in Malang City that is Muslim is 843.231 people, and there are 1.528 mosques or prayer rooms. Then for those who are Confucian 148 people and one Klenteng, Protestant Christian 52.284 people, Catholic Christian 34.439 people with 106 churches. There are 101 people of Belief, 1.527 Hindus with five Temples and 4.585 Buddhists and nine Viharas.
"The condition of Malang City is conducive, the majority of Muslims respect the minority and vice versa, that is Malang City. So if there are intrigues that Malang City will be made a sharia city and others, that is a hoax. That will be contrary to the meaning of Malangkuçeçwara," he explained.
According to him, there are various extraordinary challenges that must currently be faced in the midst of a world that is developing very quickly, making it increasingly difficult to predict the direction and impact. Real threats such as radicalism, terrorism, separatism, liberalism and the impact of technological advances and open access to information that provide opportunities for the spread of hoax news have the potential to cause conflict.
"Therefore, as directed by President Joko Widodo to religious organizations, we must have a strong commitment. Uphold a tolerant attitude and have a principle of anti-violence," he continued.
In addition, we must respect, be friendly and open to diversity. Hexa helix collaboration in maintaining tolerance and conduciveness is very important, so let's strengthen it. Let's continue to strengthen dialogue spaces and friendships between and among religious communities. He invited us to continue to strengthen national insight and utilize technology by spreading goodness. Increasing early awareness, according to him, is also important in preventing conflict. Character education and strengthening the role of the family also need to be strengthened.
Meanwhile, Head of Bakesbangpol Malang City Dra. Rinawati, MM said that Indonesia's diversity is very much reflected in Malang City, of the six religions recognized by the government, all are in Malang City, be it Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
"Not only the people, but all the places of worship are there. The diversity of tribes and religions in Malang City makes Malang City very vulnerable or there is potential for clashes between tribes and religious communities," said Rina.
This activity is an effort to further increase awareness and recognition of the differences and diversity that exist in Malang City. So as to realize a dignified Malang City and a harmonious and tolerant city based on diversity as stated in the third mission of the 2018-2023 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) in Malang City.
Also present at this event were the Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag Malang City) Dr. H. Muhtar Hazawawi, M.Ag and the Head of the Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB) Malang City KH. Ahmad Taufik Kusuma. (eka/ram)
