While there are many concerns about rising religious tensions in Indonesia, there are still plenty of Indonesians whose actions remind us that tolerance is still alive and well in the country.
On Monday, an earthquake in Tasikmalaya, West Java, is thought to have caused the partial destruction of a house of worship used by Christ Church Rahmani Indonesia (GKRI) in a nearby village in Cilacap, Central Java.
“Before the earthquake, there was heavy rain, and the roof couldn’t handle the weight of the water,” said the church’s reverend, Diah Rusdiana, as quoted by Warta Kota today.
The roof later collapsed as the area also felt the effects of Tasikmalaya’s earthquake.
According to Diah, around 20 locals immediately showed up to help with cleaning up the debris from the collapsed roof.
“The people who first knew (about the collapse) were Muslims because Muslims mostly live around this area. The non-Muslims live further away (from the church),” Diah said.
Of all the people who showed up for the clean up, all but two were Muslims. Diah said that the highly tolerant citizens of the village do not let religion become a separating factor when helping each other or in their social lives.
The church is now awaiting aid from GKRI headquarters in Bekasi, West Java, for renovations. In the meantime, its congregation is carrying out their religious worship services in their homes.
These people, as well as those brave souls who have sacrificed themselves in the name of peace and tolerance, show us the true meaning of the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
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