Strengthening Cross-Border Religious Ties for a Harmonious Future
21 September 2024, Kuching – In a significant step towards promoting interfaith understanding, Kapitan Tan Kun Gee, representing the Kuching Chinese Community Charitable Trust Board, welcomed a delegation from the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia. The FKUB delegation visited the iconic Siew San Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple as part of their interfaith exploration tour in Kuching.
FKUB’s Visit to Kuching: Promoting Unity and Understanding
The FKUB group is widely recognized for its dedication to fostering religious harmony between different faiths in Indonesia. Their visit to Kuching aimed to strengthen the bond between religious communities in Sarawak and Kalimantan Barat, promoting greater unity across borders.
Speaking at the event, Kapitan Tan Kun Gee expressed his deep appreciation for the FKUB’s efforts and their visit. He emphasized the importance of unity among diverse religious communities, highlighting Kuching as a symbol of interfaith tolerance and harmony.
Collaboration with ABIM Sarawak
The visit was made possible through the collaboration and support of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) Sarawak, who played a key role in coordinating the event. ABIM Sarawak ensured a smooth and successful program, marking an important milestone in Malaysia-Indonesia relations.
Kapitan Tan Kun Gee commended ABIM Sarawak for their involvement and their unwavering commitment to promoting religious tolerance within Sarawak. “Through events like these, we build a future of mutual respect, understanding, and lasting friendship between our communities,” he stated.
Tour of the Historic Siew San Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple
During their visit, the FKUB delegation was given a tour of the historic Siew San Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple, a landmark of religious and cultural significance in Kuching. The group learned about the temple’s history, its importance to the Chinese community, and how different faiths in Sarawak have coexisted peacefully for centuries.
The event provided an opportunity for FKUB members to gain insights into the diverse religious practices in Kuching and how they contribute to the state’s harmonious coexistence.
Building Lasting Ties Between Sarawak and Kalimantan Barat
The visit concluded on a positive note, with both groups expressing their desire to continue building relationships and working towards greater interfaith harmony. The event served as a reminder of the shared values of peace, respect, and unity that connect the people of Sarawak and Kalimantan Barat.
Looking Ahead
As interfaith collaboration continues to grow, Sarawak stands as a shining example of religious tolerance and cultural integration. Efforts like this visit are paving the way for a future where diverse communities can coexist and prosper together.