REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- PBNU Director of the Human Resources Research and Development Institute (LAKPESDAM) Najih Arromadloni considers Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia a firm counteraction to radicalism and extremism.

“To be a real rebuttal to the narratives of extremism that try to divide the unity of the nation,” Gus Najih, his relative, said in remarks received in Jakarta on Thursday.

The presence of the supreme leader of Catholics in the homeland is seen as a concrete step in strengthening brotherhood and harmony between religious people, especially Islam and Catholicism.

Gus Najih stressed that this visit is not just a symbol, but should be understood as a momentum of reconciliation amid the challenges of extremism that once fueled religious-based conflicts in Indonesia.

“We must understand this visit as an effort to strengthen harmony, strengthen peace, and also an effort to strengthen reconciliation,” he said.

Furthermore, Gus Najih also appreciated the symbolic step taken by the High Imam of Istiqlal Mosque in showing friendship with Pope Francis. According to him, this action does not contradict the teachings of Islam, but rather reflects the essence of Islam as a religion of peace.

“What the Istiqlal High Imam and the Pope actually did is a very meaningful, very symbolic thing and in no way violates the teachings of Islam,” he said.

This visit, according to Gus Najih, carries a strong message that religion should be a source of solutions, not a trigger for conflict.

He hopes that the actions of religious leaders such as Pope Francis and religious figures in Indonesia can inspire people to the grassroots level, in order to create more real harmony in society.

Pope Francis was also praised for presenting an example of inclusive and compassionate leadership. Gus Najih hopes that these peace efforts can continue to be strengthened at the international level, as well as become a real rebuttal to the radical narratives that threaten world peace.

“Indonesia must also keep in mind the importance of fighting for global justice, including in the Palestinian issue, as part of its fundamental humanitarian commitment,” he said.

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