Durian. A festival of religious tolerance, named the 2024 Tolerance Festival, was kicked off in Indonesia’s former capital city Jakarta on Monday, 2 Sept. 2024, ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis in his official trip.
The head of the world’s Catholic church is expected to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday, 3 Sept. and will leave Jakarta for Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea or PNG on 6 Sept..
The festival was officially opened by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy.
Visitors can learn about vary religions in Indonesia, not only six officials regions – Islam, Catholic, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confusions – including Baha’i, Ahmadiyyah and indigenous beliefs.
Interestingly, there is a painting made by the founder of Esoteric Forum Spirituality Denny JA, titling Pope Washing the People of Indonesia’ Feet as one of 10 paintings about Pope, exhibited in the festival.
The festival is held at the National Gallery in Central Jakarta from 2 Sept. to 4 Sept..
Other activities in the festival are including seminars, photo and essay competitions.
The festival is held in order to welcome the visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia and initiated by the Indonesia Conference on Religion and Peace or ICRP, sponsored by civil society groups and private companies, including Esoteric Forum Spirituality. (***)