Primenewspost.com – Gugun Gumilar, a Special Staff member to the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, received an award in the “Advocate for Freedom of Worship” category at the PIKI Awards 2026, organized by the Indonesian Christian Intelligentsia Association (PIKI) on Sunday (October 25, 2026). The awards ceremony was broadcast on Metro TV.
This recognition serves as an appreciation for his dedication to championing the freedom to worship and fostering harmony within Indonesia’s diverse society.
Gugun emphasized that the award is not merely a personal achievement, but rather a reflection of the collective efforts of various parties who remain committed to upholding harmony and religious freedom in Indonesia.
“I would like to express my gratitude to PIKI for this recognition. However, for me, this award is not about personal accomplishment. It is a tribute to all those who have worked, strived, and contributed to maintaining harmony and ensuring that every citizen can practice their faith according to their own beliefs,” said Gugun.
According to him, freedom of religion and worship is a constitutional right that must be safeguarded collectively. This commitment is not solely the responsibility of the government, but also of all elements of society—including religious leaders, civil society organizations, academics, and interfaith communities.
“Protecting the freedom to worship means upholding the constitution while nurturing the unity envisioned by the nation’s founders. Indonesia was built upon diversity. Therefore, differences should not be a reason for division, but rather a source of strength for building a shared future,” he asserted.
Gugun added that harmony cannot be built by a single party alone. It requires consistency, the courage to engage in dialogue, and a willingness among all segments of the nation to respect one another and protect the rights of every citizen. “What matters most is not who receives the award, but rather how this dedication continues and provides benefits to society. A strong future for Indonesia must be built upon respect for the constitution, freedom of worship, and the unity of all the nation’s people,” concluded Gugun.
