Under Secretary Zeya’s Remarks at an Iftar Dinner, Hosted by U.S. Embassy Jakarta

As delivered

Thank you for that kind introduction, Chargé Kleine.

Ambassador Safira our guest of honor, friends, colleagues, Selamat Berpuasa! I am so honored to be here in Jakarta, joining you all during the holy month of Ramadan – such an important time that brings communities together for spiritual reflection.

Iftar dinners like this one are an integral part of American diplomacy. They are an opportunity to take a moment during the holy month to celebrate faith, family, and community. They bring together people of all religious faiths to build bridges and, of course, to eat great bika ambon!

As a longtime U.S. diplomat, I have hosted iftar dinners throughout the world, including India, France, China, Kazakhstan, and Slovakia. But it is a particular honor for me to join you in Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population. Thank you for the honor of inviting me to tonight’s dinner – I am deeply grateful to be breaking the fast with each of you tonight.

Bilateral cooperation and friendship between the United States and Indonesia — the world’s second largest and third largest democracies — is stronger than ever. In fact, our 75-year relationship is one of the most important in the Indo-Pacific region. Our strong Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is deeply rooted in our shared principles: democracy, freedom, pluralism, tolerance, and respect for human rights. I am so appreciative of Indonesia’s leadership in these areas and to each one of you for your role in the U.S.-Indonesian partnership.

In my view, Indonesia is a democratic success story in the region and the world for its strong embrace of pluralism and democracy alongside a vibrantly diverse society. The commitment of the Indonesian people to tolerance stands as a beacon of hope in a troubled world and offers lessons to the United States and other multifaith democracies.

Indeed, I just had the honor to tour both the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. I walked through the tunnel that connects the two religious structures, embodying so perfectly the importance that Indonesians place on religious freedom, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.

I also visited the American Space located in the mosque’s library. Established in partnership with the mosque’s Voice of Istiqlal, this unique platform is deepening connections between the Indonesia and American people. It is a space for all who are interested to come together, have conversations, and ultimately, learn from one another. It is the first and only American space located within a mosque, serving as an inspirational example of the importance of building bridges of peace and understanding between religions and peoples, including millions of Muslim Americans who call the United States home.

While at the mosque, I met with Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar and also spoke with young Indonesian women leaders from the Women Ulema program. We welcome this important initiative to train and support women seeking to become clerics, an idea originated by the Grand Imam, who is truly a global champion not only of international religious freedom and interfaith cooperation, but of equality among people. This pioneering effort affirms that women, too, are knowledgeable authorities on Islamic and spiritual values, as well as community and government leaders, even on issues beyond religion.

With Ramadan this year auspiciously coinciding with International Women’s Month, it is all the more important to highlight these women’s accomplishments and Indonesia’s progress. Gender equality is a shared priority where both our countries make important contributions. In the same way that it might be unusual for a woman become an alim, as a U.S. official, I would like to point out that it wasn’t too long ago that it was also rare to have a woman become a head of state — and indeed, Indonesia beat us to it!

During this holy month of Ramadan, let us also remember the practice of sadaqah, especially as millions around the world suffer under war, repression, and food insecurity. As President Biden said in his recent statement for Ramadan, “As Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many. It is front of mind for me.” This is why the United States is unrelenting in leading international efforts to get more humanitarian assistance into Gaza by land, air and sea; in seeking an immediate and sustained cease-fire that frees hostages and allows much more relief in; and in working towards a two-state solution that is the only path to enduring peace. We welcome Indonesia’s vital perspective and cooperation in these efforts.

If each of us does our part to support dialogue and diplomacy, we can increase mutual respect and cooperation across faiths, regions, and oceans that anchors a more open, secure, free, and prosperous Indo-Pacific and a more just and peaceful world. Wishing you all a safe, healthy, and blessed holy month. Ramadan Kareem.