Jakarta, 19 July 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, inaugurated Cetiya Tian Shi Hua Guan Di Jing Se, a Buddhist place of worship, in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), North Jakarta, on Sunday (19/7). Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who also attended the inauguration, stated that the occasion marked an important moment to strengthen harmony, tolerance, and collaboration rooted in the values of compassion as the foundation of an inclusive creative ecosystem.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, inaugurates Cetiya Tian Shi Hua Guan Di Jing Se, a Buddhist place of worship, at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2, Jakarta, on Sunday (19/07/2026).
“Indonesia is a nation blessed with extraordinary diversity in religion, culture, and ethnicity. Our strength lies not in sharing the same beliefs, but in our ability to appreciate and respect our differences as the foundation of living together. A place of worship is where values of kindness, compassion, and the spirit of serving others are nurtured,” said Coordinating Minister Yusril.
Echoing this sentiment, Irene Umar stated that a place of worship serves not only as a center for spiritual development but also as a space that brings together people from diverse backgrounds. For her, attending the inauguration held deep personal significance, as her extended family has long been involved in various community service activities.
“A place of worship is more than just a space for gathering. It is a place to exchange ideas, inspire new thoughts, offer prayers, share advice, and demonstrate that amid our differences, the power of love and unity continues to radiate compassion to everyone,” said Irene Umar.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Irene Umar also emphasized that spiritual values and social responsibility are essential foundations for nurturing a creative and competitive society. In her view, places of worship play a strategic role in building character while strengthening collaboration among communities.
“My father and mother always taught me, ‘Be someone who is useful to others. Do not become someone who pursues success solely for money and wealth.’ Those values have shaped my belief that places of worship remain spaces of peace, where compassion, brotherhood, and the spirit of supporting one another can flourish,” Irene Umar remarked.
On the same occasion, Shi Fu Karmalie Abeng, Chairman of Cetiya Tian Shi Hua, explained that the place of worship is the result of an 18-year journey of social service and spiritual guidance. He expressed hope that the presence of the temple in PIK would continue to benefit the wider community while reinforcing the values of tolerance in Indonesia.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“At the beginning, we simply served the community. Over time, our activities evolved into spiritual guidance and social services. We hope that Cetiya Tian Shi Hua will continue to benefit the public, serving not only as a place of worship but also as an open center for compassion and virtue,” said Shi Fu Karmalie Abeng.
The spirit of tolerance, mutual cooperation, and harmonious collaboration among various elements of society was evident during the inauguration of the place of worship in Pantjoran PIK. The event was also attended by Supriyadi, Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
