Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 01:04 PM

Indonesia seeks to bolster ties with China via Youth Harmony Program

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Uyu Septiyati Liman

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) at Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs Muhammad Adib Abdushomad has proposed using the ministry's Youth Harmony Program to strengthen ties between Indonesia and China.

"Amid current geopolitical tensions, I believe Generation Z — our youth — must serve as ambassadors for peace and harmony," Abdushomad said on Tuesday after the launch of the Indonesia Friends of Silk Road Club (IFSRC).

The Youth Harmony Program is designed to deepen young people's understanding of religious harmony, promote digital literacy in religious contexts, and foster positive interfaith collaboration.

The IFSRC is a collaborative platform initiated by the Sino-Nusantara Institute, a research organization based in Semarang, Central Java. It connects youth, students, academics, and business professionals in Indonesia and China.

Abdushomad welcomed the initiative, saying he hoped the IFSRC would strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries and contribute to global peace and social cohesion.

He said peace and harmony were crucial foundations for national development and the advancement of global initiatives.

"Harmony and peace are immensely valuable investments. Without them, it is impossible to maintain development. Therefore, I believe it is critical," he said.

Abdushomad said peace and harmony were often taken for granted, despite requiring active promotion and advocacy.

"Thus, we must create more ambassadors of harmony and peace for the entire world," he said.

Abdushomad invited the Sino-Nusantara Institute to collaborate on Youth Harmony activities, including Harmony Talks, Harmony Class, and Tunas Harmoni, to strengthen bilateral interaction.

"For the younger generation, people-to-people connections are important. I believe we will also strengthen this platform's impact. On behalf of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, I have proposed collaboration through the Youth Harmony Program," he added.

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