MAGELANG – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged Buddhists to maintain peace and tolerance across Indonesia during the Vesak Day 2570 BE celebrations at Borobudur Temple on Sunday.
The Vice President called for the strengthening of interfaith brotherhood, identifying social harmony as a primary requirement for the nation’s stability and continued development.
The event took place at the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world, which serves as the center for Vesak celebrations in Indonesia.
Contributions to National Development
Gibran expressed appreciation for the role Buddhist communities play in supporting humanitarian efforts and social cohesion throughout the country, framing their work as a concrete contribution to the government’s development agenda.
He specifically noted the impact of Buddhist involvement in three key sectors that directly intersect with state policy priorities under Indonesia’s national development plans:
- Public healthcare, including support for clinics and health outreach in underserved areas
- Education, through scholarships, schools, and character-building programs
- Community empowerment, particularly economic inclusion and social services at the village level
According to the Vice President, these contributions have provided measurable benefits to national development and helped maintain a harmonious social environment, complementing government programs designed to reduce inequality and prevent social unrest.
Diversity, Pancasila, and State Commitment
The Vice President stated that the annual Vesak celebration at Borobudur extends beyond its religious significance. He described the gathering as a reflection of Indonesia’s official commitment, under the national ideology of Pancasila, to respecting diversity and upholding peace.
Gibran argued that unity is a necessary foundation for Indonesia to sustain its growth while facing shifting challenges, including economic pressures, digital-era disinformation, and localized identity-based tensions.
He encouraged Buddhists to remain active in strengthening social cohesion within their local communities to prevent fragmentation, emphasizing that grassroots vigilance is essential to support the state’s efforts to preserve national integrity.
Application of Buddhist Values
During his address, Gibran highlighted specific Buddhist tenets that he believes are applicable to modern societal issues and compatible with Indonesia’s pluralist constitutional order.
He identified loving-kindness, compassion, and wisdom as values that remain relevant in addressing the increasing complexity of current social and national challenges, from economic disparity to online polarization.
The Vice President concluded his remarks by calling on all segments of Indonesian society to collaborate to ensure a just, prosperous, and dignified future for subsequent generations, stressing that religious values should translate into concrete support for law, order, and peaceful democratic processes.
Broader Government Appeal
The Vice President’s statements align with a broader government message delivered during the holiday. President Prabowo and other government ministers also issued calls for Buddhists to promote brotherhood and unity during the 2570 BE celebrations, reiterating the state’s duty under the [1945Constitution to protect freedom of worship while safeguarding national cohesion.
The Vesak Day celebrations at Borobudur continue to serve as the primary state-recognized event for the Buddhist community in Indonesia, functioning as both a religious observance and an annual platform for the government to restate its commitment to pluralism and interfaith cooperation.
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