Foreign Minister Retno Invites The World To Fight Religious Intolerance

The 'Jakarta Plurilateral Dialogue' Forum officially opened in Jakarta on Tuesday (29/8/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi invites countries in the world to jointly fight religious intolerance, in response to the recent rampant burning of the Al Quran in Europe.

"It is important for us to overcome this worrying trend, before the trend increases to something bigger that triggers hatred and violence and endangers peace and stability," Foreign Minister Retno said in Jakarta Plurilateral Dialogue in Jakarta as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 29.

The Foreign Minister referred to the 16/18 Resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN) 12 years ago, which serves as a guide to foster religious tolerance, peace, and respect.

"Now is the right time for us to revisit our commitment to this resolution," said Retno, highlighting the increasing intolerance and discrimination of religious communities.

In order to advance religious tolerance, Retno emphasized the need for all parties to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination.

"Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to discriminate and hurt others. Therefore, freedom of expression cannot be promoted at the expense of freedom from discrimination," said Retno.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister highlighted the need to establish a clear legal framework for discrimination based on religion.

Retno refers to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which requires countries to legally prohibit advocacy of hatred of religion.

"A legal framework like this will prevent, hinder, and ultimately combat discrimination," he said.

Foreign Minister Retno also encouraged innovative efforts to fight religious intolerance, considering that technology is currently increasingly being used to spread disinformation and trigger hatred and violence based on religion or belief.

"Our task now is to make technology our ally to foster mutual understanding and respect, spread the value of tolerance, and mainstream the commitment of Resolution 16/18," he said.

The Jakarta Plurilateral Dialogue Forum was held by the Indonesian government in Jakarta on 29-31 August 2023 to call for strengthening the values of tolerance for the global community.

The dialogue agenda organized by the Presidential Staff Office, Ministry of Religion, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will later contribute to Indonesia's global efforts in fighting religious intolerance, violence, and discrimination.

"I look forward to today's constructive discussion and let's join hands in solidarity to fight intolerance, discrimination, and related actions, based on religion or belief," said Foreign Minister Retno.