Jakarta. GP Ansor, the Islamic youth organization affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama, recently met with Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See Michael Trias Kuscahyanto in Rome.

GP Ansor’s chairman Addin Jauharudin was present in the talks. Other Indonesian youth religious groups also joined the meeting, namely Muhammadiyah’s Dzulfikar Ahmad Tawalla, Indonesian Catholic Youth’s chair Stefanus Asat Gusma, Christian youth movement Gamki’s chair Sahat Marthin Philip Sinurat, and the Indonesian Hindu Youth association Peradah’s chair I Gede Ariawan.

“We may be different, but we are brothers. We are God’s followers. I appreciate this visit as it reflects [our state ideology] of Pancasila,” Trias said in his office on Monday.

Pope Francis is slated to visit Indonesia on September 3-6. According to Trias, the trip to Rome by the different youth religious groups show how Indonesians can unite despite their different beliefs.

“[Your visit shows the pope that] we are Indonesians. That the young people in Indonesia get along with one another, respect one another, and can work together. Your visit can convince the pope,” Trias said. 

Addin said the different religious groups looked forward to Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Jakarta. Their trip to Rome also aligns with the Abu Dhabi declaration signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb back in 2019. Last but not least, the delegates wish to show the world how people of different faiths in Indonesia can live in peace.

“We can be the compass for global peace amidst today’s situation,” Addin said.

The Abu Dhabi declaration promotes how people of different faiths can live peacefully. The document states that authentic teachings of religions invite people to remain rooted in the values of peace. It also defends the values of mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence, among others.