Today is a public holiday in Indonesia, celebrating the Ascension of Jesus Christ. It's striking that the world's largest Muslim-majority country observes a Christian event, while many other regions struggle to reconcile religious differences. This illustrates Indonesia's longstanding dedication to embracing diversity, a principle that the late President Soekarno championed. He oncesaid;
“Kalau jadi Hindu jangan jadi India, kalau jadi Islam jangan jadi orang Arab, kalau Kristen jangan jadi Yahudi, tetaplah jadi orang NUSANTARA dengan adat budaya NUSANTARA yang kaya raya ini”
"If you're Hindu, don't be like an Indian; if you're Muslim, don't be like an Arab; if you're Christian, don't be like a Jew; be yourself, with the rich culture of the Nusantara."Having lived in Indonesia, I've seen firsthand how diversity is not just an ideal, but a lived reality. It makes me think about how businesses could benefit from this mindset. What if corporate environments genuinely embraced diversity and inclusion, not as empty slogans, but as foundational values?Diversity in business isn't just about varied religions, ethnicities, or nationalities; it's also about recognizing and valuing individual strengths and weaknesses too. Do companies truly celebrate strengths while dismissing weaknesses?Will the manager stop playing the role of judge and jury without really understanding their people? How often do leaders listen merely to respond, rather than to truly understand?Consider a workplace where diversity isn't just tolerated, but actively celebrated. How would that impact the organizational culture, employee morale, and overall business performance? By fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, companies could see a boost in innovation, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. This could lead to not just happier employees, but also better business results.
What's your thought? Please share on the comment!
Changemaker driving greater inclusion and impact | 2022 Outstanding Woman in Business (Phoenix Business Journal)
1wSo proud of Team Korea for their role in this effort. Together we can make the future a better place for everyone. Great job, team. Thanks to everyone involved who made this a reality.