German Minister visits Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral

German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, visited the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral in Indonesia on Wednesday. Accompanied by Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, the visit highlighted the religious harmony between the two iconic places of worship.

Radovan noted that the proximity of the mosque and cathedral, connected by the ‘Terowongan Silaturahmi’ (Friendship Tunnel), serves as a global model for interfaith tolerance, friendship, and dialogue. She expressed that Germany could learn from this example of coexistence, especially during challenging global times.

The visit also addressed bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Germany. Radovan highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships in economic development and renewable energy, specifically praising the Istiqlal Mosque’s use of solar energy as a positive example of the clean energy transition.