Learning Religious Tolerance in a Multi-Cultural City

"At first it was on the top floor. We'll meet here in 20 minutes. While waiting for my friends to pray, I want to walk around here for a bit."

That sentence was said by one of my officemates when I and several colleagues visited from Batam, Riau Islands, to Singapore for a walk.

Even though more than a decade has passed and I am no longer working in that office, I still remember those remarks clearly because I was so impressed with the attitude of the coworker.

My office mate is of Chinese descent, and he is a Christian. However, even though we are of different religions, he really cares about us, his four friends who are all Muslim.

While traveling in Singapore, he was always eager to find the nearest mosque or prayer room every time it was time for prayer. He didn't even hesitate to ask people around to represent us.

My friend may feel responsible. Among the four of us, he is the one who knows Singapore quite well. He often goes back and forth from Batam to Singapore to Batam. While the four of us, it was the first time we visited Singapore.

Batam Residents' Religious Tolerance is Very High

The religious tolerance of Batam residents is indeed very high. Later I found out, the friend described above, is not the only Batam resident who cares about followers of other religions being able to carry out their worship properly according to the teachings of their religion.

There are quite a number of people like that.

During Ramadan like this, not even a few followers of other religions voluntarily distribute takjil on the main streets of Batam City. This activity is a form of concern so that Muslims who are still on their way can break their fast on time.

The houses of worship are also not only concentrated in one place, but infiltrate the residential areas. Moreover, in Batam there is almost no centralization of population settlements for certain ethnicities and religions. All mingled, so that houses of worship were scattered in every settlement.

Around the area where I live, there are many mosques and churches that stand side by side less than 300 meters, both in residential areas, and those along the main road. Likewise with the pagoda, although it is not as much as mosques and churches.

Places of worship that are very close together like that never cause conflict. Each religion adherents know their respective capacities. Never interfere, never hinder each other's religious activities. All respect each other.

Why Can That?

Batam residents who have a high tolerance seem inseparable from the change in Batam which was originally just a coastal city into an industrial city that attracts many immigrants from other cities in Indonesia.

Although Malay culture remains strong, cultures from other regions also beautify Batam.

Since its inception, this city which is directly adjacent to Singapore grew up with heterogeneous tribes, races and religions. Almost all ethnicities and religions exist in Batam. So, it is like a miniature of Indonesia.

As a result, instead of prioritizing the ego of each religion, Batam residents prefer to respect each other.

Ethnicity, race, and religion have never been the main issues that caused friction between residents.

Both are immigrants, the majority of the residents of Batam City actually work hand in hand to make the city they live in into a safe and comfortable city.

Batam's location which is directly adjacent to Singapore and Malaysia also makes the residents of this city very tolerant.

Many foreign tourists spend time in Batam almost every weekend, making residents more accepting of differences.

Moreover, the presence of these foreign travelers also opens up new job opportunities, especially in the tourism sector, which is one of the mainstays of Batam City.

So, instead of sharpening differences and being hostile to different tribes and nations, it is better to use them for the benefit of all citizens.

More Beautiful with a Difference

I am grateful to live in a multi-cultural city like Batam. Besides being able to learn how to tolerate real, it is also more comfortable to live life.

There are many positive things when we live well side by side with people of different ethnicities and religions.

One of the benefits that I really feel, every time there is a religious holiday, public facilities outside government agencies, continue to operate. At least, open a limited service.

During Lebaran, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Nyepi, traditional markets still operate. Likewise with shopping centers and entertainment venues. Although not as normal as an ordinary day.

So, when there are celebrations of other religions' religious holidays, we don't go out of style. Can continue to work as usual.

I agree with Mahfud MD's opinion through his twitter account some time ago:

"Tolerance is basically not all religions are the same. However, adherents of each religion respect adherents of other religions who believe in the truth of their respective religions".