17 Jul 2025 | Tri Hita Karana Dialogue “Hati ke Hati (Heart to Heart) With Film and Media”

In a world increasingly fragmented by digital polarization, the Tri Hita Karana Dialogue, “Hati ke Hati with Film and Media,” convened yesterday at Three-Mountains, Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This unique gathering united faith leaders, filmmakers, and young people under a shared vision: to harness the power of storytelling to heal divides and foster global harmony.

Organized by the United In Diversity Foundation, Tri Hita Karana Forum, and Scholas Occurrentes, the event seamlessly wove together Balinese wisdom, Islamic stewardship principles, and Pope Francis’ transformative pedagogy. The core aim was to reimagine media as a potent force for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

H.E. Dr. KH. Romo R. Muhammad Syafi’i, Vice Minister of Religious Affairs, anchored the dialogue in profound spiritual wisdom. “In Islam, humans are khalifah-stewards of Earth. Nature is not a resource to exploit, but a partner in building balance,” he stated. He further reframed diversity as a divine design: “We were created male and female, from different tribes, yet all descend from Prophet Adam. Differences aren’t problems but realities to respect. When embraced with wisdom, they bring harmony, not conflict.”

This dialogue builds on Indonesia’s unique spiritual heritage, combining Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and spirituality— with Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a pathway to inner change and collective happiness. Set against the breathtaking Three Mountains bamboo architecture, this dialogue features sacred Balinese rituals including the Dove Dance of Peace symbolizing celestial harmony and a turtle release ceremony emphasizing ecological stewardship.

Ambassador Tantowi Yahya, President of United In Diversity Foundation, framed the urgent need for this dialogue: “In the spirit of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Indonesia and the Tri Hita Karana Universal Reflection, we are here to explore how film and media can become bridges of the heart–hati ke hati–across cultures, religions, and generations.” He continued with a poignant challenge: “Stories shape the way we see the world. But that same power can also divide. Today, algorithms isolate us, and misinformation spreads faster than truth. So we must ask: In a world so divided, can the camera become a tool of reconciliation?”

Echoing his statement, Ezequiel del Corral of Scholas Occurentes then revealed how Pope Francis transformed youth disillusionment in Argentina into a global movement. “Facing a crisis, Cardinal Bergoglio didn’t fight–he created. He ‘heard the heart of the young,’ birthing Scholas to foster dialogue through art.”

This ethos drives impactful initiatives like Aldeas Scholas Films, supported by Martin Scorsese, which uses cinema to address mental health and bridge divides. Their ‘Hati of Indonesia” project exemplifies this by amplifying local stories to global audiences, aligning with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’s call for ecological and human connection.

This dialogue also featured rare interfaith moments, including a universal prayer and moment of silence, offering participants a space for reflection, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. A sharing session on U Theory further deepened the dialogue, exploring its alignment with Scholas Occurrentes’ values and mission to foster transformative learning.

Mari Elka Pangestu, Deputy Chair of Indonesia’s National Economic Council, distilled the essence of the day. “Real listening demands we shed biases–to be fully present, not just waiting to speak. Sharing isn’t self-expression; it’s how we learn.”

“Today’s conversations must ripple beyond this room,” she concluded, underscoring the enduring impact of the dialogue.

“Hati Indonesia”, a heart-shaped symbol co-created by Scholas youth and marginalized communities, served as a centerpiece for reflection, embodying the spirit of open-hearted dialogue and unity. The event took place at Three Mountains, a location featuring impressive bamboo architecture, symbolizing sustainability and harmony between humanity and nature.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

United In Diversity Foundation

United In Diversity (UID) Foundation facilitates tri-sector leaders in creating and implementing sustainable solutions to the region’s biggest challenges. After 21 years of fostering Trust for Our Common Future as a not-for-profit organization, UID is dedicated to systemic transformation through social innovation, achieved by nurturing awareness-based leadership and advocating for self-generative governance. UID’s vision is a united and peaceful Indonesia through synergy among diverse Indonesian society and international community constituents. Our mission is to serve as an educational platform and catalyst for trust-building and cooperation among businesses, the public sector, and civil society through a learning process for our sustainable common future.

Tri Hita Karana Forum

The Tri Hita Karana (THK) Forum for Sustainable Development is a leading sustainability collateral event for the G20, co-hosted by the United In Diversity Foundation, B20, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network with support from numerous prominent partners.

Scholas Occurrentes

Founded by Pope Francis, Scholas Occurrentes is a global educational movement promoting peace, integration, and youth empowerment through art, sports, and technology. Scholas Occurrentes in Indonesia has been working to promote education for peace, interfaith dialogue, and youth empowerment. In collaboration with local partners such as the United in Diversity Foundation, Scholas has initiated programs that bring together young people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds to engage in dialogue, artistic expression, and community-building activities. Their efforts aim to foster mutual understanding, emotional development, and active citizenship, contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Learn more about THK Dialogue

 ● Tri Hita Karana Forum: https://www.thkforum.org/

 ● Website United In Diversity: https://unitedindiversity.org/

 ● Website Scholas Occurrentes: https://scholasoccurrentes.org/en/