Cool! Pancasila University Builds 6 'Neighbourhood' Houses Of Worship, Vice President Ma'ruf: Not Just A Symbol Of Tolerance

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin/Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin hopes that the construction of houses of worship for six 'neighboring' religions at Pancasila University, Jakarta, is not just a symbol, but also tolerance among religious believers in Indonesia.

"I hope that the construction of houses of worship for religions that are built close together will not only be a symbol of tolerance and a reflection of mutual respect," said Ma'ruf when inaugurating six houses of worship at the Pancasila University Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, January 5.

Having houses of worship of various religions close together further strengthens tolerance and creates inter-religious harmony.

Ma'ruf appreciated the construction of houses of worship for six religions at the Pancasila University complex in Jakarta, because it shows the commitment of universities in practicing the values of Pancasila.

"This shows the commitment of Pancasila University in strengthening the practice of the noble values of Pancasila and strengthening tolerance between religious communities in Indonesia," he said.

The six houses of worship that were built are the Christian Service Graha Christian Church, St. Peter's Catholic Church, At-Taqwa Mosque, Widya Santika Temple, Dhamma Sasana Vihara and the Great Benevolent Temple.

Also present at the inauguration were the Minister of Religion, Yaqut C Qoumas, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Pancasila University Education and Trustee Foundation, Siswono Yudohusodo, and the Chancellor of Pancasila University, Edie Toet Hendratno.

Pancasila University is thus the only private university in Indonesia that has houses of worship for six religions. The construction of houses of worship for the six religions is expected to be the glue of the unity and integrity of the Indonesian people.