10 Portraits of Oki Setiana Dewi When Bardakwah in England, Learning About Religious Tolerance

Oki Setiana Dewi's departure to England is a program created by the Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil. This program is a collaboration between the Government of West Java, the British Council, and the Minhaj organization in England.

"So Pak Ridwan Kamil created a program called English For Ulama, sending preachers from Indonesia to give lectures in English-speaking countries such as England, America, and other English-speaking countries. Fortunately, I received the task of giving a lecture in England," said Oki Setiana Dewi when contacted by the media on Tuesday (28/11).

"During our 10 days there, we visited the parliament, visited prisons, universities, schools, and other Muslim communities to tell them about Islam in Indonesia, about pesantren in Indonesia. Introducing the friendly, polite, and tolerant face of Islam in Indonesia to the international world," she continued.

During that opportunity, Oki Setiana Dewi also met with one of the members of the British parliament who deals with religious freedom, Fiona Bruce. They had many discussions about the religious diversity in Indonesia.

"What is interesting is when we spoke in front of the minister who is responsible for religious freedom, Fiona Bruce. We conveyed to her about the concept of Indonesia. We have Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, we have Pancasila with its Indonesian unity. She was amazed that a country like Indonesia really pays attention to diversity but remains united," he explained.

"Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, but why is Indonesia not heard of in the global arena? Therefore, we, the preachers sent by the West Java Provincial Government, have a duty to introduce it," continued Oki Setiana Dewi.

During preaching in England, the sibling of Ris Ricis admitted to gaining valuable lessons, especially in terms of respecting and honoring each other's religions and not allowing division.

"If in Indonesia the majority is Islam, while in foreign countries Islam becomes a minority, so we know the difference so that when we return to Indonesia, we can preach more wisely. That's why in every preaching, we embed how to maintain brotherhood, respect each other, respect even though there are differences, differences make us rich not divided," he said.

Oki Setiana Dewi also hopes that programs like this will not only be carried out by the West Java Provincial Government but also by all provinces in Indonesia.

"The hope is that this program is not only carried out by the West Java Provincial Government but also by all provinces in Indonesia, sending preachers from their provinces abroad to tell and explain preaching in international communities. So that they know the face of Islam not only from the Arab world, but also the face of Islam in Indonesia, the polite face of Islam," he concluded.