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In Indonesia, Obama Speaks About Religious Pluralism In Major Address

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday as part of his trip to Asia, President Obama delivered a major speech at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. (CNN) Obama spent four years as a young boy in Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population.  A substantial portion of the President's remarks (full text) focused on religion in Indonesia.  He said in part:

Religion is the final topic that I want to address today, and ? like democracy and development ? it is fundamental to the Indonesian story.

Like the other Asian nations that I am visiting on this trip, Indonesia is steeped in spirituality ? a place where people worship God in many different ways.  Along with this rich diversity, it is also home to the world?s largest Muslim population ? a truth that I came to know as a boy when I heard the call to prayer across Jakarta.

Just as individuals are not defined solely by their faith, Indonesia is defined by more than its Muslim population. But we also know that relations between the United States and Muslim communities have frayed over many years. As President, I have made it a priority to begin to repair these relations.....

Innocent civilians in America, Indonesia, and across the world are still targeted by violent extremists. I have made it clear that America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. Instead, all of us must defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates, who have no claim to be leaders of any religion ? certainly not a great, world religion like Islam. But those who want to build must not cede ground to terrorists who seek to destroy....

We are two nations, which have traveled different paths. Yet our nations show that hundreds of millions who hold different beliefs can be united in freedom under one flag....

Earlier today, I visited the Istiqlal mosque ? a place of worship that was still under construction when I lived in Jakarta. I admired its soaring minaret, imposing dome, and welcoming space. But its name and history also speak to what makes Indonesia great. Istiqlal means independence, and its construction was in part a testament to the nation?s struggle for freedom. Moreover, this house of worship for many thousands of Muslims was designed by a Christian architect.

 Such is Indonesia?s spirit. Such is the message of Indonesia?s inclusive philosophy, Pancasila.  Across an archipelago that contains some of God?s most beautiful creations, islands rising above an ocean named for peace, people choose to worship God as they please. Islam flourishes, but so do other faiths.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on November 10, 2010 (boomark / email).