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Day of Peace Observed in Jakarta
Written by UPF - Indonesia
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Jakarta, Indonesia - UPF-Indonesia organized a Leadership Conference on the theme "Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard" on the International Day of Peace, September 21. Despite efforts among some misguided individuals to disturb the peace in this multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural nation, the message of the International Day of Peace celebration co-hosted by UPF and the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta (UIN) is clear: Indonesians stand for pluralism and unity in diversity as guaranteed in their nation’s Constitution. Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat, Rector of UIN and keynote speaker of the day, remarked that "diversity does not always mean disengagement and disharmony, but it induces a more colorful and dynamic picture of reality."
Over 150 participants gathered in the Diorama Room of the UIN Main Auditorium for the day-long event. Representatives from the Foreign Ministry, UN Development Programme, and seven embassies, including the newly appointed Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Mohamed Antar, intently listened to the speakers of the Opening Session.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Premita Fifi Hadiyanto, UPF Ambassador for Peace, reminded everyone "that peace is the result of moral and spiritual awakenings. When we raise our voice on peace, we should never forget that lasting peace grows on the solidarity among fellow humans and comes from the recognition that we all are brothers and sisters, one unified family under God."
Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat’s conclusion that democracy needs to be supported by ethics, law enforcement, and education in order to avoid chaos was echoed by various speakers throughout the day. Mrs Ursula McLackland, Secretary General of UPF–Asia, introduced the UPF Principles of Peace, Democracy and Good Governance with emphasis on the need for moral values and family ethics.
The afternoon session saw a variety of speakers: Dr. Payaman Simanjuntak, UPF Indonesia Advisor and member of the HKBP Protestant church; Mr. K.S. Arsana, Deputy Secretary General of Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia; and Mr. Harry Sutanto, Head of Majelis Buddhayana Indonesia, eloquently elaborated on their vision for peace from their respective religious viewpoints.
Youth Representative Ms. Wimmy, Miss Jakarta 2009, gave a refreshing personal account of what peace and democracy, making your voice heard, means to her.
Mr. David McLackland, Education Director of UPF-Indonesia, stressed the need for spiritual values as the foundation for good leadership. A singular focus on leadership skills without the necessary qualities of heart and concern for others will not make us the leaders society needs at this time of global crisis.
After the appointment of 16 new Ambassadors for Peace, Mrs. Ika Kuntari, Ambassador for Peace and UPF-Indonesia Committee member, concluded the day with the words: "Peace based on true love is one of the most important pillars of human life. Starting from the creation of peace within us, if our marriage is based on true love, our families can raise children, future generations, who have peace within themselves, high self-confidence, an optimistic attitude, and good behavior. They will be innovative and daring to voice an opinion correctly, so that ultimately they can make a positive contribution to their environment, their country, and the world.’
By Mrs. Ursula McLackland, Secretary General, UPF-Asia
Welcoming Speech
by Premita Fifi Widhiawati
Founder and Caretaker, Lembaga Edukasi, Bantuan dan Advokasi Hukum Jurist Makara, Ambassador for Peace
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatu, Salam sejahtera bagi kita semua, Om swastiastu, Namo Buddhaya – omitohud.
Good morning. I hope each and every one of us is in very good condition because we’re going to be here for a full day.
Before I begin my speech, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to the Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Antar. We are very honored to have you with all of us, Sire.
I would also want to give my highest appreciation to the Rector of Universitas Islam Negri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Mr. Komaruddin Hidayat, for all his kindness and most welcome cooperation in holding this event in this lovely and serene campus.
Peace is an everyday word. We hear about it, read about it, maybe even speak about it. The problem is, do we understand it? Is it in our daily life? And most importantly, do we practice peace every single day?
Some people may understand peace as the outcome of war and annexation to other. Trust me, it is not true at all.
Others may see peace as the result of the standardization of values, art, and culture, or even faith and religion. These are also not right.
Some may just take peace for granted, fold their hands, and do nothing. This is sadly also not right.
The truth is peace should be our mission, our day-to-day quest.
As we know, war is among three major issues of the nations around the world. Others are poverty and lack of education. We cannot reduce poverty and give better education without firstly commencing peace. Solving the problem of poverty will directly affect the rising level of education, or vice versa.
Peace is not simply the absence of war or a term that applies only to the relationships among nations. Peace is an essential quality that should characterize all relationships.
Conflicts between parties and nations, on the local, regional, or international levels, from a border dispute between two adjacent countries until wars that involve more countries, will directly affect human welfare in the region. Not to mention if we include the disputes of vertical and horizontal conflicts that are occurring within the community in various parts of the world, ranging from prolonged protests and riots in London, violent issues in Bangladesh and Pakistan, and conflicts between ruling parties in Africa, until conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslim here in Indonesia.
Peace is a non-alternate choice! Peace is an absolute condition! It provides channels for resolving differences and gives hope to the marginalized and power to the people.
This year’s International Day of Peace theme is : Peace and Democracy; Make Your Voice Heard! It indicates that the efforts and voices of peace should not be silent or passive.
As we know, in many parts of the world, people are restricted from speaking their mind, but we also know that technology has made it much easier for all of us to share our thoughts. Nevertheless, technology alone couldn’t bring lasting peace. It must go beyond and find its foundation in human character and relationships. Thus, our moral and spiritual traditions should have taught us our common purpose and destiny.
Therefore, we must bear in mind that peace is the result emerged from the foundation of moral and spiritual awakenings. When we raise our voice for peace we should never forget that lasting peace grows on the solidarity among fellow humans and comes from the recognition that we all are brothers and sisters, one unified family under God.
Democracy is also most important. It is the core value of the United Nations and it is crucial for human rights. But democracy does not just happen; it has to be nurtured and defended.
This joint event on the International Day of Peace by the Universal Peace Federation and Universitas Islam Negri Syarif Hidayatullah symbolizes the strength of cooperation, common good will, and mutual understanding that peace is indeed a joint venture of people, ideas, and spirituality. The speakers represented in this seminar come from Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist backgrounds.
The issue is West or East nor religions or faiths; it’s only the need for better living of all humans.
As the Secretary-General of the United Nations stated in his speech for the International Day of Peace this year, “To all those seeking peace, this is your day, and we are with you.”
And as one of the greatest men alive in this universe, John Lennon, once sang, “Imagine there’s no country and no religion too. Imagine all the people living live in peace.”
May we all have a happy International Day of Peace, brothers and sisters.
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