Christmas has passed, but good memories of tolerance remain for youth in Jakarta.

The Indonesian Muslim Students Movement (PMII) at the National University of Jakarta has helped orchestrate successful Christmas celebrations on campus for almost a decade. This year was no exception.

"Indonesia is a country where pluralism has been present for so long. I think it is our duty, the country's young generation, to preserve it by keeping such traditions alive in our organisation," said National University PMII Chairman Mohammad Rohim.

"We can do it by paying respect to other believers and helping each other," the second-year political science student told Khabar Southeast Asia.

"An honor for us"

The organization has a long connection with the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said Rohim. NU's former leader Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) was well known for his support of pluralism.

"Helping our friends enjoy a successful Christmas celebration is one of our efforts to continue what [Gus Dur] had been fighting for," Rohim added.

About 30 members of the organization contributed to the success of the celebration, held January 4th, including helping to secure it. In previous years, some even attended as guests.

"People inviting you to a celebration means they respect you. It was an honor for us," Rohim said.

Non-Muslim members

Taking that principle a step further, the group has even opened its doors to non-Muslims. Rohim said at least three Christian students have become members of PMII – even though some group members initially opposed the idea.

"Yes, they are always welcome to join us. We wish the organization would represent Indonesia itself, a country with plurality," he said.

Sarah Margaret, a Christian senior at the university, said she joined PMII to support its efforts in promoting pluralism.

"I have to admit we are now struggling to bring back peace among followers of different religions who once lived well in this country," Sarah told Khabar. "I was stunned at first to know that PMII welcomes non-Muslim students. But that was what amazed me. So I decided to join."

She said PMII's support of Christmas celebrations on campus is very much welcome.

"My Muslim friends help us with the security. And we do the same when they celebrate Idul Fitri or other Islamic holy days."