Amidst a global landscape often marked by divisions and conflict, Indonesia emerged in 2022 as a leader in reimagining the role of religion in fostering peace. During its presidency of the G20, Indonesia launched the Religion Twenty (R20) Forum, a groundbreaking initiative that brought together religious leaders from diverse traditions to address global challenges. Unlike conventional interfaith dialogue forums, R20 aimed to position religion not as a source of conflict but as a catalyst for solutions to the world's pressing problems.

The R20 Forum, held in Bali as part of Indonesia’s G20 presidency, was spearheaded by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world’s largest Islamic organization. Its purpose was clear: to redefine the role of religion in the 21st century, emphasizing its potential to contribute to peacebuilding rather than exacerbate divisions. The forum’s theme, “Revealing and Nurturing Religion as a Source of Global Solutions,” set the tone for discussions that went beyond traditional interfaith engagement.

R20 stood apart from other forums by focusing on religious leaders who are deeply embedded in their communities rather than academics or activists. It addressed core religious issues often ignored in similar initiatives, fostering an open and honest exploration of the challenges and responsibilities faced by faith traditions.

For Indonesia, hosting R20 was not merely an act of diplomacy but a demonstration of its commitment to pluralism and tolerance. By leveraging its religious diversity, Indonesia showcased its ability to model interfaith harmony for the global community.

Religion in the Modern World: A Dual Narrative
Religion's role in modern society has long been contested. For some, it represents a force for peace, with its teachings of compassion and justice. For others, it is seen as a source of conflict, associated with wars, discrimination, and extremism. The R20 Forum directly confronted this paradox, creating a platform where religious leaders could reflect on their traditions’ past failures and chart a path toward reconciliation and shared values.

This dual narrative was evident in the forum’s focus on addressing historical injustices perpetuated in the name of religion. From the colonial exploitation of indigenous peoples to religiously motivated conflicts, participants acknowledged the pain caused by their faiths while also highlighting religion’s capacity for healing and unity.

Speakers such as Pope Francis and representatives of the Muslim World League called for religion to reclaim its place as a moral compass, guiding humanity toward peace and coexistence. This transformative vision of religion aligned with R20’s goal of promoting global harmony through mutual respect and understanding.

Indonesia’s Unique Role
Indonesia’s hosting of R20 underscored its unique position in global interfaith dialogue. As a majority-Muslim nation with a rich tapestry of religious diversity, Indonesia has long balanced competing faith traditions. The country’s pluralistic ethos, enshrined in its state ideology of Pancasila, provided a strong foundation for R20’s success.

The forum also demonstrated Indonesia’s capacity for innovative diplomacy. By engaging figures such as Ram Madhav from India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and leaders from Saudi Arabia’s Muslim World League, R20 bridged divides between groups with historically antagonistic relationships. Indonesia’s approach emphasized dialogue over division, even when it meant inviting controversial participants to the table.

At a time when many nations struggle to reconcile religious and secular identities, Indonesia’s leadership offered a model for how diverse societies can thrive through mutual respect and collaboration.

Despite its successes, R20 faced significant criticism. Some questioned its theme of “religion as a solution,” arguing that religion’s historical association with violence and exclusion undermined its credibility as a force for peace. Others criticized the inclusion of figures from groups perceived as intolerant, such as India’s RSS, which has faced accusations of promoting Hindu nationalism at the expense of minority rights.

The involvement of Saudi Arabia’s Muslim World League, a co-host of the forum, also raised eyebrows. Critics pointed to the kingdom’s Wahhabi tradition, often associated with religious intolerance, as contradictory to the forum’s message of inclusion. However, R20 organizers defended their decision, emphasizing the importance of engaging with all actors willing to work toward moderation and dialogue.

These criticisms highlight the complexity of interfaith engagement in a polarized world. While R20 succeeded in bringing diverse voices together, its ability to sustain meaningful dialogue and translate discussions into action remains an ongoing challenge.

Toward a Sustainable Future for R20
The future of R20 lies in its ability to evolve beyond a one-time event into a sustainable movement. Plans to continue the forum in India and Brazil, aligned with the G20 presidency rotation, offer opportunities to expand its impact. However, ensuring the forum’s relevance will require addressing the root causes of religious conflict, fostering deeper collaboration among faith communities, and promoting education that counters extremism.

R20’s success also depends on its capacity to influence public policy. By integrating the forum’s outcomes into national and international agendas, religious leaders can amplify their voices in addressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and social justice. The inclusion of non-religious actors in future forums may further enhance its reach, creating a broader coalition for change.

A New Chapter for Religion
The R20 Forum represents a bold attempt to reimagine the role of religion in a fractured world. By positioning faith as a bridge rather than a barrier, Indonesia has set a precedent for how nations can leverage their religious diversity to promote peace and understanding.

In a global era defined by polarization and conflict, R20 offers a beacon of hope. It challenges religious leaders to confront their traditions’ shortcomings while embracing their potential to inspire justice and compassion. For Indonesia and the world, the forum is a reminder that religion, at its best, can be a source of solutions rather than problems.

As R20 continues to grow, its legacy will depend on its ability to move beyond dialogue and toward tangible action. If successful, it may well redefine how religion is perceived and practiced in the 21st century, creating a world where faith unites rather than divides.

Note: This piece is an excerpt from the full article published in Religió: Jurnal Studi Agama-agama and can be accessed here.