JAKARTA: Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar inaugurated on Sunday (Feb 2) what is claimed to be the biggest house of worship in South-East Asia for Hindus: Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam Temple, also known as Murugan Temple, in Kalideres, West Jakarta.
In his opening remarks, Nasaruddin said the temple served as not only a place of worship but also a symbol of religious harmony in Indonesia.
“[We are] launching Sri Sanatana Dharma Temple not only as a physical place of worship but also as [evidence] of the human right to exercise religious freedom, which is mandated by the Constitution,” Nasaruddin said, according to the ministry’s press release.
"In the spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation, let us continue to maintain the bonds of community and tolerance between religious communities in order to create a just and prosperous society," he said.
The minister also said he had suggested to President Prabowo Subianto that the new temple be used as a Hindu study centre.
“Sri Sanata Dharma Temple should be a spiritual centre for religious education and strengthening the noble values of Hinduism for Hindus in Indonesia. This is very important," he said.
Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the President’s top adviser and younger brother who attended the temple’s launch on behalf of Prabowo, said the head of state “respects” the temple and wanted it to be a symbol of unity among Hindu Indonesians.
“It turns out that in India, it is rare for Hindus from all sects to unite. Here, all sects are united," he said, as quoted by Kompas.com. Hashim praised the temple’s design and expressed a hope that it would attract Indian visitor as part of the government’s efforts in promoting religious tourism.
“I think this [temple] is amazing, very grand and very beautiful. I'm not Hindu, I'm Christian, but I still see this place for its amazing architecture," he said.
Also present at the temple’s grand opening were Foreign Minister Sugiono and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, as well as a number of senior officials.
In a prerecorded video message, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about India’s special relations with Indonesia, stemming from the centuries of shared history between the two countries, Detik.com reported.
Prabowo met with Modi late last month during his state visit to India, and was chief guest at the 76th Republic Day celebration in New Delhi. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
