With these words, a powerful message echoed last week at the launch of the 8th edition of the Tolerance City Index 2024—an initiative by the Setara Institute, proudly supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Indonesia.

Representing the Dutch Embassy, Second Secretary of Political Affairs Zilla Boyer joined the event, underscoring the shared commitment between Indonesia and the Netherlands to democratic values, human rights, and social cohesion.

In a time when tolerance can no longer be taken for granted, this index offers more than just rankings. It serves as a vital tool to assess how cities across Indonesia promote tolerance through local laws, policies, and government actions—providing a clear snapshot of what inclusive urban governance looks like in practice.

The findings of the 2024 edition brought encouraging news: Salatiga (Central Java) was named Indonesia’s most tolerant city, followed closely by Singkawang (West Kalimantan) and Semarang (Central Java).

A key example of Salatiga’s approach is the enactment of Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 10/2024, which focuses on the Implementation of Community Tolerance and Social Conflict Handling. This forward-thinking policy reflects the city's strong commitment to fostering peace and understanding within its communities.

As this index continues to evolve, so too does its impact—reminding us that tolerance is not static, but something that must be nurtured, protected, and advanced.

Read more about the Tolerance City Index 2024 here.