Malang (malangkota.go.id) – Amidst the rampant issues of ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group (SARA) and inter-racial, ethnic and religious disputes in Indonesia, the Indonesian Chinese Islamic Association (PITI) community throughout Malang Raya is committed to strengthening tolerance in the many differences that exist in Indonesian society.
This commitment was conveyed at the National Halal Bihalal event attended by representatives of religious leaders from across Malang Raya at the Regent Park Hotel on Tuesday (10/5), which was then followed by a national declaration between religious communities in Malang City.
The commitment and declaration made were fully appreciated by the Deputy Mayor of Malang, Ir. H. Sofyan Edi Jarwoko. According to him, this is a real manifestation of the government's program launch, namely the year of tolerance, and the community's response to the government's program.
"We give our highest appreciation and gratitude to the PITI family who initiated this event. This is a real manifestation of Malang City's commitment to upholding the solidarity and tolerance of its people in the nation and state since ancient times," he said again.
The man who is familiarly called Bung Edi also reminded of the risk of differences and disputes amidst the diversity of religions, races and ethnicities in Malang City. Therefore, it is important for all religious communities in Malang City to maintain and care for a sense of tolerance, and put aside their egos for the greater goal, namely the realization of peace between religious communities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of PITI Malang Raya Dr. Sugiharta Tandya said, this commitment and declaration aims to support the government's program, namely to realize a peaceful and prosperous Indonesian life for all people. In addition, the hope of holding this event is also to be able to foster a sense of mutual tolerance and mutual respect in the unity of the Republic of Indonesia.
"The tolerance that is expected to be realized is tolerance between religions and ethnicities, which have often been clashed. If that is realized, it will certainly help this nation to be more advanced and not be inferior to other nations," he said.
So far, PITI sees that tolerance in Malang City has been maintained quite well. In the future, he hopes that the sense of tolerance between ethnicities and religious communities in Malang City can be improved and can be more conducive in the future. (ayu/ram)
