Focolare as Instrument for Unity Toward a Cohesive Society in Indonesia

Inclusion, sense of belonging, recognition, and active participation may glue society and create bonds among its members. Different cultural, ethnic, religious, and socio economic backgrounds within a given community become less significant once there are shared values which are lived collectively. The Focolare movement attracts those who strive to minimise every division to achieve its goal “may all be one” by living the spirituality of unity despite their varied identities and experiences. The research seeks to understand the definition of unity which puts Focolare as one family and how members’ engagement and participation enhance mutual understanding, empathy, and respect, within and outside the movement. The case study is conducted on a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews, both online and in-person, with people who practise Focolare spirituality in their daily life in Indonesia, regardless of their religious affiliations. Data is also supported by literature studies and internal-use-only documents from the Focolare Centre, especially of SouthEast Asia. The acknowledgement to other religious traditions and the reflection on seeing the world as one family enable the establishment of shared values accepted by all. The members and people who are willing to work toward unity underline the importance of inclusion, sense of one family, recognition of differences at open forums, and concrete programs of formation in particular religious communities within and beyond. It later will encourage the intercultural and interreligious relation which is in favour of cohesion in the society of diverse Indonesia.