Theresia Sufa, Bogor, West Java – Young leaders of different religious beliefs came together on Sunday for the 2017 Social Communication Festival (Festkom) to promote religious harmony.
Taking place in the front yard of the Bogor Cathedral and Catholic school Budi Mulia, the 2017 Festkom was organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Berita Umat (Congregation News) magazine issued by the cathedral parish.
Festkom organizing committee head Aloisius Johnsis said issues related to diversity and tolerance among religious followers always had a place in the heart of Indonesian people.
The festival, themed "Rooted in Unity, Growing Amid Diversity," was held based on a common wish of the Bogor Cathedral and the people of the city to maintain harmony among all religious followers.
Bogor Bishop Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur said in his sermon that Berita Umat was part of the church and played an important role in communicating good news to its congregation.
"This is important because we believe in God who has communicated Himself to us and conveyed anything that becomes His wish. Our God is an excellent communicator. Our God is not a silent God," said Paskalis.
He called on young people to play a greater role to communicate peace. "Please use social media such as Facebook and Instagram as a communication tool to convey messages of peace and love to all. Don't use social media to spread fake news or hoaxes," said the bishop.
Bogor Deputy Mayor Usmar Hariman, chairperson of Nadhlatul Ulama's (NU) youth wing (GP Ansor) Rahmat Imran Hidayat, and police and military representatives attended the event. (dra/ebf)