KH Abdurrahman Wahid, fondly known as Gus Dur, remains an unforgettable figure in Indonesia’s religious history, even globally. For Gus Dur, religiosity wasn’t just about the routine of worship rituals; it was the foundation for creating an inclusive, tolerant, and peaceful nation. Throughout his journey, Gus Dur left a trail that inspired many to perceive religion as a source of peace and unity.
As the Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world’s largest Islamic organization, Gus Dur held a highly progressive religious vision. He believed that Indonesia, with its cultural and religious diversity, could forge a strong harmony. This thinking reflected Gus Dur’s approach to religious diversity, valuing differences as richness rather than sources of conflict.
One distinctive trait of Gus Dur’s religious ideology was his rejection of narrow and exclusive interpretations of religion. He viewed religion as a means to achieve moral and spiritual goals, not as a political tool to divide society. In Gus Dur’s perspective, true religiosity unifies rather than divides.
Throughout his presidency in Indonesia, Gus Dur consistently championed inclusive religious values. He emphasized the importance of respecting minority rights and safeguarding religious freedoms. For Gus Dur, religiosity wasn’t just about ritual practices but also about upholding social justice and prioritizing human rights.
Gus Dur encountered numerous challenges in upholding his vision of religious inclusivity. During his tenure, Indonesia faced serious interfaith tensions. Yet, Gus Dur remained steadfast in his principles of respecting diversity. He actively engaged in defusing conflicts and promoted interfaith dialogue as a means to understand and respect each other.
Gus Dur’s contributions to religious pluralism extended beyond the national level; he played a role in international religious discourse. He pioneered interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He believed that cross-religious meetings and discussions could deepen collective understanding, opening doors to better cooperation across various fields.