Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has expressed the hope that young delegates joining the 2022 ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp will help realize religious moderation in their nations.
Pranowo made the statement after receiving ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp delegates from Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Singapore at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja Building, Semarang, on Wednesday.
“They want to encourage or create programs where children become very moderate and tolerant, so the question that arises is: how to build that tolerance?” he said.
The governor further said that the delegates were examples of positive-minded young people.
During their meeting, Pranowo and the delegates discussed ways to deal with change as well as the dynamic global situation.
“When the world is not good, say to your mother and father, ‘Make a decision not to go to war (referring to intolerance).’ Let’s work together to collaborate for the good of all,” he said.
In Central Java, there are many examples and movements for religious moderation and tolerance, one of which is in Kaloran Sub-district, Temanggung District, the governor pointed out.
Pranowo then advised the delegates to try the live-in activities there.
“How can one village with very diverse religions (have its people) get along very well, or the experience of Banyumas Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) is really cool as (it provides) economic assistance,” he said.
Pranowo further said he expected the delegates of the ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp to obtain knowledge that can be utilized. “Hopefully, a lot of lessons that they receive can (help them) get what they want,” he remarked.
“The provincial government is happy to guide them so that they can get the information they want; these kids are cool,” he added.
Source: Antara News