Hi there,
The massive interfaith gathering in the Monas, Jakarta that took place to express solidarity with Palestine this morning 5th of November 2023.
It an unprecedented gathering where millions of people from various religious backgrounds assembled to sympathize with the plight of Palestine. This event was not merely an act of mass protest but a profound demonstration of interfaith solidarity. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths stood together, united by a common cause – to voice out against the injustices suffered by the Palestinian people.
In a remarkable massive show of solidarity at the monumental National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta, Mass gathered for their determined voices protesting against Israel’s Zionist policies. This historic gathering wasn’t only just a random crowd; it was a powerful collection of national figures from various religious backgrounds. Prominent inter-religious leaders stood side by side, reading joint statements and voicing their unified stance against the occupation of Palestine. The crowd was not only made up of everyday citizens but was also attended by influential figures from the foreign ministry, several senators, and other high-ranking officials.
Leading the demands was the Presidential candidate Anis Baswedan, who passionately echoed the sentiment of the million-strong crowd. Their collective call was clear and resonant: Cease the fires , halt the occupation and free Palestine as a standalone nation. This powerful gathering at Monas has sent a strong message to the world that the fight for Palestine’s freedom is not isolated, but a shared global responsibility.
This solidarity, transcending religious differences, underscored a shared sense of humanity. The world witnessed how the pursuit of justice could bring together people of diverse faiths, each with their unique beliefs and practices. This unity is a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we are all human beings who value justice, dignity, and the right to live in peace.
The Monas gathering is an echo of a universal call for justice, a plea for the world to set aside political ambitions in favor of human rights. The international community’s response to such a call is, therefore, pivotal. It is not just about resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict but about standing up for the fundamental principles of humanity that transcend borders, cultures, and religions and most importantly is to cease fire.
In responding to this call, the world must prioritize human rights and justice over political ambitions. The United Nations, for instance, has a moral and legal obligation to uphold the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and security of person. The international community should exert diplomatic pressure on parties involved in conflicts that infringe on these rights, and also provide and let the humanitarian aid entering to Palestine helping those affected.
Moreover, nations and international bodies should promote dialogue and mutual understanding among various religious and cultural groups. This approach not only addresses the immediate issues at hand but also helps in Ceasing fires and preventing future conflicts based on religious or cultural misunderstandings.
In short, the gathering at Monas, Jakarta is a potent symbol of how humanity and the pursuit of justice can unite people from diverse religious backgrounds. It calls for the world to prioritize the protection of human rights and justice over political goals. In response, the international community should strive for diplomatic resolutions, provide humanitarian assistance, and promote dialogue and understanding. The universal values of humanity and justice, as demonstrated by the interfaith solidarity at Monas, should guide the world’s actions in addressing the Palestinian plight, and indeed, any situation where human rights are threatened.
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant
