On Monday, July 6, 2026, Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, His Excellency Paul Bekkers, visited Indonesia to learn from Indonesia and to strengthen the religious network and cooperation. The visit brought together a remarkable range of voices:

Jakarta - From the Women Ulama Congress (KUPI) event at Erasmus Huis Jakarta with the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, to the iconic Istiqlal Mosque and its neighboring Cathedral, connected by the Tunnel of Harmony, Jakarta showcased the depth of Indonesia's interfaith spirit. Highlights included courtesy calls with the Minister of Religious Affairs, the opening of the NL Corner at the Istiqlal Library, and meaningful meetings with the Vice Ministers of Human Rights and Foreign Affairs, members of Parliament, the Communion of Churches, the Jakarta Theological School, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, GUSDURian Network Indonesia, interfaith youth groups, and civil society organizations. The program also included a visit to an Islamic boarding school in Depok to learn about their sustainability efforts as well as a visit to Buddhist temple Vihara Amurva Bhumi, reflecting the full breadth of Indonesia's religious landscape.

Ambon, Maluku - The visit continued to Ambon, a city that carries both the scars and the lessons of past religious conflict. Meetings with the Protestant Church of Maluku and civil society actors made the visit to Waringin Village, a border area between Muslim and Christian communities very meaningful. The special envoy met with women peacebuilders whose work continues to hold communities together.

Inclusive dialogue, across faiths and generations, is essential to building peaceful societies. A heartfelt thank you to all partners, and participants who welcomed us with openness and warm engagement. We look forward to the next chapter of this collaboration!