From Bali, Calls for Unity and Tolerance Echo at Dharma Santi 2026

From the beautiful island of Bali, a powerful message of unity and tolerance resonated throughout the Dharma Santi Nasional 2026. This significant event served as the grand finale to the series of celebrations for Saka New Year 1948, powerfully reaffirming the vital importance of harmony amidst Indonesia's rich tapestry of diversity. Held at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre in Denpasar, the solemn gathering saw approximately 5,500 participants, including esteemed state officials and national figures. Among them were the Head of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency, Yudian Wahyudi, alongside Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa, and Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka. The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, also graced the occasion, accompanying distinguished guests from both within Indonesia and abroad. The theme, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, Indonesian Harmony for Progress," powerfully underscored the principle of universal brotherhood. Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, Chairman of the Central Indonesian Hindu Dharma Parisada, articulated the event's core message: "Through this Dharma Santi, we want to convey a message to all people in the world to respect each other. In line with the President's Asta Cita, harmonization and collaboration among religious communities are the main keys to the strength of a nation based on Pancasila." This sentiment, echoed by Head of BPIP Yudian Wahyudi, who added that the value of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) is inseparable from the divine dimension foundational to national life, highlights how the harmony experienced in Bali can serve as a profound example for the world. As I Made Susila Adnyana, the Chief Executive, explained, the chosen theme aims to strengthen the awareness that humanity is one large family, a crucial value for safeguarding our planet and fostering human connections. The Dharma Santi serves as a vital platform for strengthening bonds, mutual forgiveness, and enhancing inter-religious harmony across Indonesia. The unique perspective from Indonesia, particularly from Bali, is that such events are not merely ceremonial but deeply ingrained in the nation's philosophical underpinnings. While Western media might report on the cultural aspects, for Indonesians, this is a living embodiment of Pancasila and the nation's commitment to pluralism. The emphasis on 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' from a Hindu-majority island like Bali demonstrates a powerful, inclusive national identity that transcends religious lines, offering a model for global coexistence.

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Through this Dharma Santi, we want to convey a message to all people in the world to respect each other. In line with the President's Asta Cita, harmonization and collaboration among religious communities are the main keys to the strength of a nation based on Pancasila.