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Religions meet in Jakarta for the Week of harmony
A great religious event takes place in Jakarta in early February, with the participation of all major faiths of the country. In addition to forums, discussions and speeches of the representatives there will be a ceremony of peace, the planting of some trees in the 'Indonesian Parliament House.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A major event will take place in February in the wide spaces of the 'Indonesian Parliament House (DPR) in Senayan, Central Jakarta. It is entitled: "World Interfaith Harmony Week." This year, the Indonesian Inter-religious Council (IRC) will organize the event, founded by the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, September 23, 2010, during the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Secretary of "Religions for Peace in Indonesia," Theophilus Bela, told AsiaNews that several meetings will take place during the event. On February 5, will be an open discussion with young interfaith activists, and this forum will be held at the headquarters of the second largest Islamic organization in the country, Muhammadiyah in central Jakarta.
On February 10, the Indonesian Parliament House will host participants in a ceremony where some trees will be planted for peace. February 12th, a long list of protagonists in interreligious dialogue will give interventions and reflections. All major religious organizations attended the event: the Indonesian Muslim Council (MUI), the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI), the Protestant Christian Synod (PGI), the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, the Hindu organization Parisadha Hindu Dharma, The Indonesian Buddhist community (Walubi) and the Indonesian High Council Kongchu.
Indonesia has long been shaken by incidents of violence against Christian minorities and Ahmadis, although the majority of the population practice a moderate form of Islam.