Medan Mayor Committed to Building an Inclusive and Harmonious Life
Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution attended the Waisak 2570 BE celebration, emphasizing the city's commitment to an inclusive and harmonious life.
- The event, themed "Harmony and Co-existence," also marked International Mother's Day and the 22nd anniversary of the Vihara Maitreya Medan Foundation.
- Nasution urged residents to strengthen brotherhood and mutual respect amidst diversity, highlighting the importance of peace and mutual assistance.
In Medan, a city known for its vibrant diversity, the recent Waisak 2570 BE celebration served as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of harmony and co-existence. Mayor Bobby Nasution's presence at the event, organized by the Vihara Maitreya Medan Foundation, underscored the municipal government's unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive society where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated.
We live differently, different religions, ethnicities, skin colors, and ancestries. But we hope that in this City of Medan we can continue to live side by side, love each other, and help each other.
The celebration, which also commemorated International Mother's Day and the foundation's 22nd anniversary, provided a platform for leaders and citizens alike to reflect on the importance of unity. Mayor Nasution's address resonated with a call to action, urging the people of Medan to actively cultivate brotherhood and mutual respect. In a world often fractured by conflict, his emphasis on the peace that arises from mutual assistance and understanding is particularly poignant for a city that thrives on its multicultural fabric.
Sometimes we see people arguing, insulting each other, even wars happening in this world. Therefore, Waisak must be a moment to bring peace into ourselves and our lives.
Nasution's message directly addressed the potential pitfalls of societal discord, cautioning against envy and division that can mar the city's hard-won harmony. He framed the Waisak celebration not just as a religious observance but as a crucial moment to cultivate inner peace and extend it to the community. This perspective highlights how local leaders in Indonesia often bridge religious and cultural divides, positioning themselves as facilitators of social cohesion.
We are brothers and sisters to all the people of Medan City. The difficulties of the people are also our difficulties.
What makes this event particularly significant from a Medan perspective is the way it integrates religious celebration with civic duty. The government's active participation demonstrates a policy of actively promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. This approach is vital in a nation like Indonesia, where maintaining social harmony across diverse ethnic and religious groups is a continuous, collective effort. The city's commitment, as articulated by Mayor Nasution, is to be a partner in this endeavor, ensuring Medan remains a comfortable and welcoming place for all its residents.
We appreciate all parties who continue to bring the spirit of goodness and virtue to the community.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.