Throughout his presidency in Indonesia, Gus Dur consistently championed inclusive religious values. He emphasized the importance of respecting minority rights and safeguarding religious freedoms. For Gus Dur, religiosity wasn’t just about ritual practices but also about upholding social justice and prioritizing human rights.
Gus Dur encountered numerous challenges in upholding his vision of religious inclusivity. During his tenure, Indonesia faced serious interfaith tensions. Yet, Gus Dur remained steadfast in his principles of respecting diversity. He actively engaged in defusing conflicts and promoted interfaith dialogue as a means to understand and respect each other.
Gus Dur’s contributions to religious pluralism extended beyond the national level; he played a role in international religious discourse. He pioneered interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He believed that cross-religious meetings and discussions could deepen collective understanding, opening doors to better cooperation across various fields.