VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, accompanied by Minister of Public Works and People's Housing Basuki Hadimuljono (right), observing the Silaturahmi Tunnel connecting Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral, Friday. (Asdep KIP Setwapres) - 

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin lauded the Silaturahmi (Friendship) Tunnel connecting Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta's St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral as a symbol of religious harmony, especially for Indonesian Muslims and Catholics.

"I feel this tunnel holds deep meaning, not only as a symbol of unity but also as an inspiration for religious harmony," Vice President Amin stated at Jakarta Cathedral, Friday.

Indonesian Muslims pray at the Istiqlal Mosque, while Indonesian Catholics visit the Cathedral located opposite to the mosque, Amin stated.  

He also drew attention to a parking lot in the basement already used by both mosque and cathedral visitors, further cementing the place as a symbol of unity among followers of both religions.

The vice president expressed optimism that the Silaturahmi Tunnel would not only serve as a symbol of religious harmony but also inspire Indonesians to nurture and maintain religious harmony in their daily lives.

"I am optimistic that this would inspire us, as an Indonesian, to build religious harmony as an essential aspect of national harmony," Amin stated.

Vice President Amin and limited number of officials visited the Istiqlal Mosque, the Silaturahmi Tunnel, and Jakarta's St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral to observe the enforcement of health protocols in Jakarta's places of worship.

Apart from reviewing the imposition of health protocols, Amin also attended the Friday Prayer at Istiqlal Mosque, his first since Jakarta's activities restriction enforcement (PPKM) rating improved to level 3, from the earlier level 4.

After Jakarta's PPKM level improvement, the Jakarta authority issued Governor Decree No. 1026 of 2021 on Level 3 PPKM Adjustment for permitting places of worship to resume religious activities at the premises, with maximum attendance capped at 50 percent out of the total capacity//ANT