Sweden's Crown Princess praises Indonesia’s religious tolerance

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria was impressed by the proximity of Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral, seeing it as a symbol of Indonesia's tradition of religious tolerance, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said on Friday.

Umar, who is also Istiqlal's grand imam, said Victoria was struck by the symbolism of the two houses of worship and the Tolerance Tunnel connecting them.

He said Victoria and her delegation showed strong interest in learning how Indonesia's largest mosque and a major Catholic cathedral stand side by side.

Victoria is visiting Indonesia as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), according to the ministry.

Umar said a moment in the tunnel highlighted the relationship between the two faiths, when the mosque's traditional bedug drum and the cathedral's bells sounded together.

During her visit to Istiqlal Mosque, Victoria learned about its role as a community hub providing healthcare, education and business facilities.

Jakarta Cathedral Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo said Victoria also showed keen interest in cultural elements incorporated into the cathedral, particularly its depiction of the Virgin Mary.

Unlike conventional European representations, the statue incorporates elements of Indonesian heritage and identity, Suharyo said.

The statue's crown features a map of the Indonesian archipelago, while a Garuda Pancasila emblem appears as a brooch. Its clothing incorporates batik and traditional dress elements from across Indonesia.

Suharyo said Victoria appeared unfamiliar with such a representation of the Virgin Mary, which incorporates Indonesian cultural elements so extensively.

Victoria arrived Friday for a four-day official visit to Jakarta and Lombok, with activities covering genomic science, healthcare digitization, marine ecosystems, customary forests and community development.

Related news: Indonesia says Jakarta's tolerance tunnel should be showcased globally

Reporter: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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