Vatican Authority Will Go To Indonesia Following Up On Istiqlal Declaration

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar upon arrival in Indonesia after attending the International Forum for Peace Online at the Vatican, Rome. BETWEEN/HO-Kemenag

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar stated that the Vatican Holy See authority will return to visit Indonesia in December 2025, to follow up on the Istiqlal Declaration some time ago.

"We have held an intensive meeting with Roma. They want to follow up on the Istiqlal Declaration which is considered more concrete and measurable," said ANTARA, Thursday, October 30.

He explained that the follow-up to be discussed with the Vatican includes three main issues, namely dehumanization, postwar situations, and saving the environment.

The three issues are considered to have a direct connection with the welfare and survival of mankind.

The Vatican emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in overcoming the humanitarian and environmental crisis. They see Istiqlal's declaration as a very relevant and applicative document to answer the challenge," he said.

He said the next meeting in December was focused on the preparation of a joint program between Indonesia and the Vatican, especially in the context of interfaith education, strengthening human values, and advocating a sustainable environment.

We want to build concrete cooperation, not just symbolic. Indonesia and the Vatican have the same commitment to strengthening peace, tolerance, and social justice," he said.

In addition to discussing bilateral cooperation, meetings in Rome also open up opportunities for Indonesia to strengthen its role in world interfaith forums.

He mentioned that many world religious leaders have hoped that Indonesia can become the center of dialogue and global peace initiatives.

Indonesia is already an important factor in creating world peace. We have a long experience in managing diversity, and it becomes a big capital to contribute at the international level," he said.

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar this Thursday arrived in the country after attending the International Forum for Peace Online at the Vatican, Rome. The forum is a cross-religious meeting in Rome, Italy attended by various religious leaders in the world.

On that occasion, the Minister of Religion met Pope Leo XIV along with a number of world religious leaders, as well as discussing plans to follow up the Istiqlal Declaration.

The Istiqlal-Vatikan declaration was signed at the Istiqlal-Jakarta Mosque, during the visit of the late Pope Francis to Indonesia, September 2024. The document was signed by the late Pope Francis and Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar.

Istiqlal's declaration is a response to two major world crises, namely dehumanization and climate change. This declaration confirms that religious values are the source of solutions to global challenges, ranging from dehumanization, climate change, to social inequality.