WPO PRESS RELEASE: SILATURAHIM TUNNEL, REAL PROOF OF GERMANY - INDONESIA INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

Jakarta, June 18, 2026 – The World Peace Organization (WPO) welcomes the visit of the Federal President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. These two adjacent places of worship, connected by the 34-meter Silaturahim Tunnel underground, stand as concrete symbols that differences in faith can coexist in peace.

The presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., together with the Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, in welcoming the leader of the "Panzer Nation" reaffirms Indonesia's strong tradition of tolerance.

"This Tunnel Is More Than Just an Underground Passage"

WPO views the Silaturahim Tunnel not merely as physical infrastructure, but as a "spiritual bridge". It proves that mosques and churches do not have to be in opposition, but can be connected.

Prof. Dr. Bambang Herry Purnomo, SH., MH., President of WPO, stated:
"This is a great honor for Indonesia. Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral show the world that brotherhood transcends walls and dogma. From this 34-meter tunnel, the world learns that interfaith dialogue is the best path toward global peace."

WPO considers President Steinmeier's visit a complement to the state meeting with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. For WPO, this is not only political diplomacy, but also diplomacy of peace and humanity.

WPO's Commitment
This moment strengthens WPO's conviction that "Peace is a Must". WPO will continue to encourage the emergence of more "Silaturahim Tunnels" - both physical and in mindset - across the world.

From Jakarta to the world: diversity is a blessing, brotherhood is a choice.

This press release is issued by Dra. Yenny Agoestian, M.B.A., Ph.D., Deputy Secretary General of WPO for Education, Culture, IT, and Human Resources, concurrently serving as Special Staff for Public Information.

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