Australia seeks to learn interfaith practices from Indonesia

Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite visited Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral Church on Wednesday, seeking to deepen his country's understanding of interfaith dialogue practices. He was accompanied by Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, leader of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), who joined the delegation to learn about Islamic teachings and community engagement.

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My visit to this mosque is about building friendship by bringing one of Australia's leading imams here to learn from the mosque's imams and administrators about the teachings of Islam, respect, and friendship. These are lessons for all of us.

"My visit to this mosque is about building friendship by bringing one of Australia's leading imams here to learn from the mosque's imams and administrators about the teachings of Islam, respect, and friendship. These are lessons for all of us," Thistlethwaite told reporters. He emphasized the Australian government's keenness to strengthen ties with Indonesia, noting it is home to the largest Muslim population in Asia. This visit is part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations through interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Thistlethwaite praised Indonesia's promotion of an inclusive and tolerant interpretation of Islam, highlighting the "Tunnel of Friendship" that physically connects the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. "I congratulate the Indonesian government and people for the respectful way they teach Islam and promote cross-cultural and interfaith friendship, which is perfectly symbolized by the Tunnel of Friendship," he said.

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I congratulate the Indonesian government and people for the respectful way they teach Islam and promote cross-cultural and interfaith friendship, which is perfectly symbolized by the Tunnel of Friendship.

Australia is intensifying efforts to promote mutual respect among religious communities and strengthen engagement between people of different faiths. The Australian government has appointed an ambassador and a special envoy for Islamic affairs to research and initiate projects aimed at fostering religious tolerance and mutual respect within Australia. "We also want to ensure that our political leaders maintain close communication with Indonesian leaders to help advance interfaith dialogue. That is why I brought one of Australia's leading imams here today as a symbol of our commitment to an approach that upholds interfaith engagement," Thistlethwaite added.

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We also want to ensure that our political leaders maintain close communication with Indonesian leaders to help advance interfaith dialogue. That is why I brought one of Australia's leading imams here today as a symbol of our commitment to an approach that upholds interfaith engagement.