Jejak Harmoni Programme: A walk towards interfaith understanding

The Jejak Harmoni Programme was officially launched on February 15, 2025, in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), marking a significant effort to strengthen religious unity in Malaysia. Organized by the Ministry of National Unity (Kementerian Perpaduan Negara, KPN) in collaboration with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST), the event aimed to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

The programme was officiated by Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of National Unity, at Masjid Al-Hidayah, Sentul Pasar. The initiative falls under the Harmoni MADANI framework, which emphasizes fostering respect and acceptance among Malaysia’s multicultural society. Through this effort, the government hopes to strengthen the foundation of national harmony by encouraging meaningful interactions between different religious communities.

A Walk of Faith and Unity

One of the highlights of the Jejak Harmoni Programme was the Harmony Walk 2025, a goodwill walk that took participants on a journey through various places of worship, symbolizing Malaysia’s religious diversity. The walk began at Masjid Al-Hidayah, where participants gathered before proceeding to their first stop, Gereja Katolik St. Joseph, a historic Catholic church known for its strong community engagement. From there, they continued to Kuil Ahthi Eswaran, a Hindu temple that has long served as a spiritual hub for its devotees.

The journey then took them to Tokong Buddha Sri Lanka, a Buddhist temple representing the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia’s Buddhist community. The final destination was Gurdwara Sahib Sentul, a significant Sikh place of worship, which played host to the closing activities of the event. At each stop, religious representatives welcomed the participants and provided insights into their respective faiths, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of different religious practices.

More than just a symbolic walk, the Harmony Walk 2025 reflected the core values of faham, hormat, dan terima (understand, respect, and accept), which are essential to sustaining peace and unity in Malaysia’s multireligious society. The initiative encouraged meaningful conversations, broke down misconceptions, and fostered mutual appreciation among participants. Through this shared experience, the walk demonstrated that Malaysia’s strength lies in its ability to embrace and celebrate diversity, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to interfaith harmony.

Ensuring a Safe and Meaningful Experience

The large-scale interfaith walk required careful coordination and security measures. Traffic police and the Civil Defence Agency were stationed along the route, ensuring smooth movement between locations. Their efforts allowed participants to engage in the experience without disruption.

Despite the sweltering heat, Malaysians from all walks of life remained committed to completing the journey, demonstrating their enthusiasm for interfaith engagement. The organizing committee, which arrived early to prepare logistics, ensured the programme ran seamlessly from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

Participants described the event as an eye-opening experience that deepened their appreciation of Malaysia’s religious diversity. Many shared their reflections on how the walk provided a unique opportunity to connect with people of different faiths, breaking down misconceptions and fostering unity.

Building Bridges for a Harmonious Future

The Jejak Harmoni Programme serves as an important step in reinforcing Malaysia’s identity as a multicultural and multireligious nation. By facilitating direct interactions and fostering mutual respect, such initiatives help bridge communities and dispel divisions.

As Malaysia continues to navigate its diverse societal landscape, events like Harmony Walk 2025 remind the nation that strength lies in unity. With the success of this programme, there is hope that similar initiatives will continue to be organized, promoting a deeper understanding among Malaysia’s many religious communities for years to come.