DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM- The Deli Serdang Regency Government in Indonesia's North Sumatra Province has urged Majelis Buddhayana Indonesia (MBI) to strengthen interfaith relations, expand social engagement and contribute to regional development. The government emphasised that religious communities and their organisations play an important role in preserving diversity, reinforcing social cohesion and promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
The message was conveyed in a speech by Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan, read out by Misran Sihaloho, the Regent's Expert Adviser for Economic, Financial and Development Affairs, at the inauguration of the new management board of the
MBI Deli Serdang branch. The event took place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at Vihara Hok Tek Kong temple on Jalan Kebun Sayur in Tembung Village, Percut Sei Tuan District.
In his address, Asri Ludin Tambunan congratulated all newly appointed board members. He expressed the hope that they would carry out their responsibilities conscientiously and deliver tangible benefits for the Buddhist community, the wider public and the region.
"I congratulate all newly appointed members of the Majelis Buddhayana Indonesia branch management board in Deli Serdang. May they fulfil the mandate entrusted to them to the best of their ability and with full responsibility, bringing benefits to the Buddhist community, the public and the region," his speech stated.
Interfaith Harmony as a Foundation for Development
Asri Ludin stressed that harmonious relations between religious communities were essential to social cohesion and regional development. He said people must continue to nurture tolerance, mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation despite differences in religion, ethnicity and culture.
He called on all sections of society to regard diversity as a shared strength rather than an obstacle to harmonious coexistence. An open attitude towards different beliefs and traditions, he said, was essential to preserving peace and strengthening social relationships within the community.
"Differences in religion, ethnicity and culture are not obstacles to peaceful coexistence, but a source of richness that we must preserve together. By upholding tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation, we can build a society characterised by solidarity, peace and harmony," he added.
DELI SERDANG REGENT HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS HARMONY: In an address read out by Misran Sihaloho, Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan called on the public to uphold tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation amid the community's diversity. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
MBI Urged to Expand Social Engagement
Alongside its spiritual guidance, the
MBI Deli Serdang branch was encouraged to broaden its activities to include social initiatives addressing the needs of the public. The regency government urged religious organisations not only to provide spiritual guidance to their members but also to strengthen social responsibility, solidarity and mutual assistance.
The social engagement of religious organisations can create new opportunities for cooperation between different sections of society while strengthening relationships among community members. Through activities that directly benefit the public, humanitarian values can be translated into practical action, regardless of religion, ethnicity or cultural background.
Asri Ludin also underlined the importance of close cooperation between the government, religious leaders, faith-based organisations and all sections of society. Such collaboration, he said, was necessary to ensure that efforts to promote
interfaith harmony remained aligned with regional development objectives and the needs of the public.
"The Deli Serdang Regency Government supports all efforts to promote harmonious relations between religious communities. Cooperation between the government, religious leaders, faith-based organisations and all sections of society is crucial to preserving social cohesion and creating a stable environment for regional development," he emphasised.
The regency government's support is also expected to encourage the new MBI board to expand dialogue and cooperation with a range of community stakeholders. Strong institutional relationships can enable religious organisations to contribute to a more inclusive society and strengthen unity within a diverse community.
NORTH SUMATRA MBI CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR STRONGER ORGANISATION: Edi Sujono, chairman of the North Sumatra provincial MBI board, expressed hope that the new Deli Serdang leadership would improve support for worshippers and strengthen cooperation with the government and other religious organisations. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
New Board Expected to Strengthen Support for Buddhist Community
Edi Sujono, chairman of the North Sumatra provincial MBI board, also outlined his expectations for the newly appointed management of the Deli Serdang branch. He expressed hope that the new leadership would strengthen the organisation, improve support for the Buddhist community and expand cooperation with the government and other religious organisations.
The new board therefore assumes responsibilities that extend beyond maintaining the organisation itself to include contributing to wider community life. A stronger organisational structure and improved support for worshippers could provide a foundation for expanding religious activities while encouraging greater participation in social initiatives.
Cooperation between different organisations is also an important part of building supportive community relationships. Through communication and collaboration, MBI can participate in joint initiatives that promote harmonious coexistence, strengthen tolerance and preserve social cohesion in Deli Serdang.
The inauguration of the new
MBI Deli Serdang branch management board is expected to mark the beginning of stronger engagement in religious guidance and social activities. The new leadership now has an opportunity to translate its mandate into practical programmes that improve support for the Buddhist community while benefiting the wider public.
The event was also attended by Khairul Anwar, chairman of the Deli Serdang Forum for Interreligious Harmony, and representatives from Percut Sei Tuan District. Their presence highlighted the importance of involving different organisations and government institutions in maintaining harmonious relationships within a diverse society.
Through the active involvement of religious organisations, government support and public participation, Deli Serdang aims to continue fostering peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect. Tolerance, cooperation and social responsibility provide a shared foundation for preserving cultural and religious diversity while advancing regional development in which all sections of society can participate.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala