About 100 young people took an unusual journey in Makassar, South Sulawesi in September, visiting places of worship for six different faiths: a Hindu temple, a Catholic church, a Protestant church, a Buddhist vihara, a Confucian temple and a Muslim mosque.

Religious leaders at each site explained their faith's traditions, and the visitors were encouraged to ask questions.

They were participants in the 2013 International Multi-faith Youth Assembly (IMYA), which took place at the Colonial Hotel in Makassar from September 25th to 28th with the theme "Spreading Seeds of Peace and Love through a New Interfaith Paradigm for the 21st Century".

Young people from Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern countries took part, IMYA Chairwoman Dewirini Anggraeni told Khabar Southeast Asia. IMYA is a programme of Global Peace Festival Indonesia Foundation (GPFIF), an organisation that promotes social unity.

Dewirini said she hoped Indonesian youths would set a good example for others regarding religious tolerance. "We expect that Indonesian youths will unite and respect the motto of Unity in Diversity," she said.

Mahendran Arumugam, deputy director of Satya Sai Baba, a non-profit focusing on religious tolerance in Malaysia, was impressed by the openness he witnessed.

"I am very interested in seeing how a Muslim woman has an interest in visiting temples and churches. Indonesian people are very appreciative of diversity," he said.

Flash mob for peace

In addition to the field trip, assembly participants attended seminars, held an anti-violence flash mob, wrote a peace declaration and carried out service projects for the local community.

Diversity of faith is an essential part of Indonesian identity, and young people need to have a good perspective on this, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar told the opening session of IMYA 2013.

"I think we do not need to focus on interfaith issues, but instead celebrate the differences," Nasaruddin said.

"Through this programme, I have now learned about other religions. At least I started to understand the universal values that exist behind each religion," participant Siti Arrahmah told Khabar. "In this matter, I am not easily provoked by those who dislike peace and tolerance."

Another participant Ridwan Mukfin said, "It was a really good event. I think it is really good to learn and respect other religions. We hope in the future, there will be more events like this conducted in our country. Indonesia needs this."

Trust, compassion, respect

Makassar religious leaders were also inspired by event. Erfan Sutono, chairman of the Confucian Youth Association in South Sulawesi, emphasized the need for trust among different types of people. "We need peace, faith, and love that we can share with others," he said.

Nitis, a pastor at GPIB Immanuel in Makassar, stressed the importance of compassion and honouring others. "God teaches us to care for those who are hopeless, giving food to the hungry," Nitis told Khabar.

Islamic cleric Saffrullah Ramadan said IMYA was an important reminder for everyone to respect other religions.

"Religious conflict is considered a high risk in the region. Therefore, the IMYA moment is good because it is spreading peace, knowledge, and tolerance not only for people in Makassar or Indonesia, but to youth in other countries," he said.