Vice President Gibran: Vesak Becomes Momentum To Strengthen Love, Tolerance And Wisdom

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka (photo: dock. between)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka invites all Indonesian people to make Vesak Day a moment to strengthen the values of love, tolerance, and wisdom in the life of the nation and state.

The invitation was conveyed by the Vice President through uploads on his official Instagram account, @gibran_rakabuming, on Monday, May 12, while congratulating Vesak Day 2569 BE to Buddhists throughout Indonesia.

"Happy Vesak Day to all Buddhists in Indonesia. May the values of compassion, tolerance, and wisdom be an inspiration to all of us in building a harmonious and peaceful life," wrote the Vice President in his statement.

In the upload, Gibran also includes a magnificent illustration of Borobudur Temple which is lighted by sunrise. The image features the figure of the Vice President walking along a path in the middle of a stretch of green fields with a small cat, depicting a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. At the bottom of the picture is written saying 'Happy Vesak Day 2569 BE' in capital letters.

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar also conveyed a similar message. He considered Waisak a holy moment to instill the value of virtue and build world peace.

Carrying the theme Improving Self- Control and Wisdom in Realizing World Peace, The Minister of Religion invited all elements of society to strengthen harmony and tolerance between religious believers.

He also appreciated various series of Vesak activities such as the Thudong ritual, social service actions, and environmental conservation movements which according to him enriched the meaning of celebration and strengthened togetherness across people.

"Waisak does not only belong to Buddhists, but also a moment of reflection together in building a harmonious and peaceful Indonesia," he said.