On Saturday, November 9, 2024, a significant moment for the Buddhist community took place at Simpang Empat Riverwalk Island, Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), a prestigious real estate development in North Jakarta, Indonesia, with the official inauguration of the Si Mian Fo Worship Center.
The ceremony was led by Venerable Bhikkhu Khanit Sannano Maha Thera from the Sangha Dhammaduta Indonesia and attended by thousands of Buddhists who gathered to celebrate both the inauguration and the commemoration of the Great Day of Si Mian Fo, also known as Phra Phrom.
Si Mian Fo is now established as a new spiritual center for Buddhists in the PIK area, serving as a place of worship and symbolizing peace, compassion, and interfaith harmony. The large attendance at the event highlighted the importance of this new temple for the Buddhist community.
According to an official statement from the PIK 2 website, it is hoped that the prayers offered by the thousands of worshipers who come to Si Mian Fo will bring blessings to the local community and the world at large.
With Si Mian Fo's presence, residents of PIK and surrounding areas now have more convenient access to a place of worship where they can offer their prayers and supplications. For Buddhists, Si Mian Fo is revered as a Brahma Vihara, a sacred site dedicated to Brahma, the creator and ruler of all things in the universe, including heaven and humanity.
One of the spiritual leaders present at the ceremony, Venerable Tanjaokhunpra Srisompoht, Deputy Head of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen Temple, emphasized that while Buddhists need to come and pray, it is equally vital for them to understand the essence and deeper meaning of the four core teachings of Brahma Vihara: Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Muditta (empathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity).
The inauguration was also attended by several distinguished guests. Thai Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Prapan Disyatat, was among those who signed the inauguration plaque, alongside Supriyadi, the Director-General of Buddhist Affairs from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Other prominent figures in attendance included Nyoman Suriadarma, Director of Buddhist Affairs; Susanto Kusumo, CEO of Agung Sedayu Group, and his family; as well as Buddhist leaders such as Eddy Wijaya, Chairman of the Tridharma Indonesia Council, and Soegiandi, Chairman of the Paramita Fund Foundation.
The inauguration of Si Mian Fo is expected to bring new spiritual vitality to Buddhists in the PIK area and beyond. It not only strengthens the spiritual ties within the Buddhist community but also fosters interfaith relationships in Indonesia. The temple is seen as a symbol of peace, compassion, and kindness, values that transcend religious boundaries and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
