Australia Says It Wants to Learn Interfaith Practices from Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -  Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite said Australia is seeking to deepen its understanding of interfaith dialogue practices through a visit to Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral Church on Wednesday.

As part of the visit, Thistlethwaite was accompanied by Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) leader Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, who joined the delegation to learn about Islamic teachings and community engagement practices implemented by the clerics and management of Istiqlal Mosque.

"My visit to this mosque is about building friendship by bringing one of Australia's leading imams here to learn from the mosque's imams and administrators about the teachings of Islam, respect, and friendship. These are lessons for all of us," Thistlethwaite told reporters at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.

He said the Australian government is keen to strengthen ties with Indonesia, including with its people, as the country is home to the largest Muslim population in Asia. The visit to Istiqlal forms part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations through interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Thistlethwaite also praised Indonesia's approach to promoting an inclusive and tolerant interpretation of Islam that embraces diversity and fosters cross-cultural and interfaith relations. He specifically highlighted the Terowongan Silaturahmi (Tunnel of Friendship), which physically connects Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral.

"I congratulate the Indonesian government and people for the respectful way they teach Islam and promote cross-cultural and interfaith friendship, which is perfectly symbolized by the Tunnel of Friendship," he said.

He noted that Australia is also intensifying efforts to promote mutual respect among religious communities and strengthen engagement and dialogue between people of different faiths.

Thistlethwaite added that the Australian government has appointed both an ambassador and a special envoy for Islamic affairs, who have undertaken research and initiatives aimed at identifying the best ways to promote religious tolerance and mutual respect in Australia.

"We also want to ensure that our political leaders maintain close communication with Indonesian leaders to help advance interfaith dialogue. That is why I brought one of Australia's leading imams here today as a symbol of our commitment to an approach that upholds interfaith engagement," he said.

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