Christians in Indonesia Assist in Islamic Group’s Celebration
According to reports published by the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News), leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest moderate Islamic organization, have lauded the support given by Christian churches during the recent centenary celebrations. The churches provided shelter and logistical support during the celebrations that took place February 8-9.
Eight Catholic and Protestant churches provided accommodation to thousands of Muslims from across Indonesia who traveled to Malang.
Muhammad Mahpur, a lecturer at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University in Malang and deputy chairman of NU’s Malang branch, said that by offering support, Christians not only expressed fraternity but also demonstrated the deeper meaning of the Church’s presence in society.
“Besides proving that we are brothers and sisters of one nation, all of this demonstrates the Church’s presence as a place of refuge — a place of rest from fatigue, rain, heat and hunger,” he said.
For many Muslims, he added, churches are often perceived as distant places of worship, shaped by differing perceptions.
“Therefore, when they enter and see things beyond their expectations, such as the church altar, they experience it as a new spiritual and social experience,” he said.
Aan Anshori, coordinator of the Interfaith Intellectual Network and Dialogue, said Christians’ involvement in the NU event demonstrates respect not only for NU members but also for followers of other faiths.
“All of this proves the strong spirit of brotherhood that binds our community, and we hope this bond will grow stronger day by day,” he said.
Founded in 1926 and based in Jakarta, NU has an estimated 110 million members. Its two days of centennial celebrations at Gajayana Stadium in Malang drew between 104,000 and 107,000 participants from across the country.
During the Carmelite General Chapter in Malang, Allysa Wachid, the daughter of Abdurahman Wachid, the former leader of NU and fourth president of Indonesia, and the vice general, Hariawan Adji, spoke to the Carmelites about Christian-Muslim relations. Freedom of Belief is one of four focuses of The Carmelite NGO as well.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Malang where Carmelite Henricus Pidyarto Gunawan is bishop opened its doors to assist participants as local hotels were fully booked. They offered temporary shelter for rest, food, prayer space and ablution facilities. They also provided livestream of the event.
The churches adjusted their Saturday and Sunday liturgy schedules to allow participants to join the program. The cathedral parish priest explained that the local faithful got involved as well. “When we explained the needs of our Muslim brothers and sisters, many donated snacks and drinks voluntarily,” the priest said. “This wasn’t just from church leaders — ordinary Catholics stepped up, turning it into a true community effort,” he added.
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, with about 87 percent of its estimated 287 million people identifying as Muslim. Other major religions include Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism.
