Minister of Religion Emphasizes Virtue and Harmony in Commemoration of Vesak Day

Minister of Foreign Affairs to Vice President at the Waisak celebration (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana invites all people to interpret the Holy Tri Day of Waisak 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) as an opportunity to strengthen the values of virtue, especially those that are relevant for nation and state life.

"On this blessed and wise day, we are reminded of the noble essence of Holy Vesak Day. The universal values contained therein are not only a spiritual foundation, but also a moral compass that guides us to live in peace, tranquility, and boundless love. Diversity and tolerance are the true identity and strength of Indonesia," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Widiyanti as quoted by ANTARA, June 1.

This year's Vesak celebration, which carries the theme "Dharma as a Source of Morality and Wisdom", is expected to help the community in self-reflection, strengthen brotherhood, and maintain the sustainability of nature to realize a peaceful and harmonious life.

The peak of the Tri Suci Waisak Festival took place in the Borobudur Temple area, Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday (31/5) followed by the release of 2,570 lanterns not only by Buddhists but also tourists which is one of the most anticipated moments and full of meaning.

The release of the lanterns symbolizes the illumination of life, the release of negative energy, the delivery of prayers, and good hopes for the creation of a peaceful and wise life.

The annual celebration organized by the Indonesian Buddhist Community Representative (WALUBI) and the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Assembly (MBMI) received full support from the central and regional governments.

The General Chair of the DPP WALUBI, Hartati Murdaya, expressed his appreciation to all parties who have supported the celebration of Vesak this year.

"This support gives great hope for the realization of a harmonious, harmonious, and peaceful religious life so that national development can continue to run well," said Hartati.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka who was present was touched by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy who said that the celebration of Vesak at Borobudur was not only a religious celebration, but also a strong symbol that Indonesia is a common home that upholds peace, respects diversity, and is able to make differences a national strength.

The Vice President assessed that Indonesia as a great nation needs unity and peace as the main capital in development. The noble values of Buddhism such as love (Metta), compassion (Karuna), and wisdom (Panna) are considered very relevant in answering the various challenges of an increasingly complex life.

"For this reason, let's bequeath to our children and grandchildren a more harmonious, more just, more prosperous, and more dignified Indonesia," said the Vice President.

Also present was Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar who revealed that Indonesia is currently at a very good level of harmony. Based on data from the Ministry of Religion, the national Index of Religious Harmony (KUB) is recorded at above 76 percent.

"This figure reflects that on a macro scale, social cohesion and interreligious tolerance in Indonesia are in a very healthy condition. The figure must be able to transform into moral sovereignty," said Nasaruddin.

Through the Waisak commemoration, the Minister of Religion hopes that every individual is able to build peace within themselves, because world peace begins with peace that grows within each of us.

The peak of the Vesak Celebration is the most sacred religious ritual for Buddhists and the largest celebration throughout the year. In addition to having deep spiritual meaning, this celebration can also be witnessed by the general public and tourists, making it an attraction that is able to attract visits from both Indonesian and foreign tourists every year.

This shows that spiritual, cultural, and tourism values can grow side by side and strengthen each other in building the image of Indonesia as a nation that values diversity.

The series of Waisak 2026 celebrations will take place throughout May and will be preceded by simultaneous volunteer work activities at all the Heroes' Cemetery Parks as a form of respect and gratitude to the heroes who have fought for Indonesian independence.