Strengthening religious tolerance: A lesson from Uzbekistan

By Asep Saepudin Jahar and Kamilov Muzaffar Muratovich

Amidst ongoing global challenges to religious freedom, Uzbekistan presents a counter-narrative. Since gaining independence, the country has developed a secular governance model that not only protects freedom of belief but also actively promotes interfaith harmony in a society inhabited by diverse religious communities.

Uzbekistan's approach acknowledges that religion is an important part of public life, while maintaining secular state principles to ensure justice and equality. The nation's constitution, along with laws like "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations," forms a strong legal foundation. More than mere documents, this principle is embodied in daily life, where over 130 ethnic groups and 16 religious denominations coexist peacefully.

Uzbekistan has long recognized that tolerance must be cultivated and preserved. Educational reforms emphasize the importance of understanding diverse religious and cultural traditions. The spiritual legacy of great Muslim thinkers like Imam Abu Mansur Maturidi is not only preserved but celebrated. In 2025, the Uzbek government will commemorate Imam Maturidi's 1,155th birthday by revitalizing his complex in Samarkand, as a commitment to honoring Islamic heritage.

Freedom of belief—to believe, change beliefs, or choose not to believe anything—is not merely a legal principle. It has become a cultural norm embedded in the national identity. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev often reminds the public that tolerance, generosity, and mutual respect are values that have become part of the Uzbek mindset, passed down through generations.

This ethos is now embedded in the national development strategy. The "New Uzbekistan 2022–2026" strategy prioritizes inter-ethnic harmony and youth education. Amidst the proliferation of negative influences on youth in various parts of the world, Uzbekistan invests in their resilience by instilling values of patriotism, civic responsibility, and respect for all religions.

This vision also extends beyond national borders. At the 2023 United Nations General Assembly, President Mirziyoyev proposed establishing an International Center for Interfaith Dialogue and Tolerance in Uzbekistan under the auspices of UNESCO. The goal is to disseminate Uzbekistan's experience onto the global stage as a blueprint for peaceful coexistence amidst rising religious tensions worldwide.

Uzbekistan's efforts have also received domestic recognition. In 2023, the government introduced the “Religious Tolerance” Badge to appreciate individuals contributing to interfaith peace. Then, in early 2025, the Uzbek parliament (Oliy Majlis) adopted the Concept of State Policy on Ensuring Freedom of Conscience and Religious Affairs, which forms the legal and institutional framework to guarantee religious rights and regulate state-religion relations based on principles of secularism, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.

What once seemed like an ideal aspiration has now become a tangible reality in Uzbekistan. From educational reforms and cultural preservation to foreign policy and legislation, the country proves that religious freedom and secular governance can not only coexist but can also grow together harmoniously. In a fragmented world, this offers an important lesson.

In recent years, global powers have attempted to provoke interfaith conflicts, incite hatred, and disrupt societal stability. In this context, promoting interfaith harmony and cooperation becomes even more crucial. Uzbekistan addresses this challenge by adhering to key principles: upholding legal and constitutional guarantees, building a culture of religious tolerance, ensuring the freedom of religious organizations and places of worship, and preventing the abuse of religion for destructive purposes.

Since 2017, over 100 new mosques have been built across the country, alongside the establishment of 23 non-Islamic religious organizations. Currently, 2,372 religious organizations operate freely, representing Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Baha’is, and others. This widespread recognition reflects a commitment to pluralism and peaceful coexistence.

Also important is Uzbekistan's emphasis on preventing the abuse of religion for destructive purposes. The government supports the establishment of prominent institutions such as the Center for Islamic Civilization and the Imam Maturidi International Research Center. These institutions promote an understanding of the spiritual and educational values of religion while rejecting radical interpretations and instilling civic responsibility.

The Inter-Confessional Council, under the Committee on Religious Affairs, also coordinates these various efforts. Established in 2004 and expanded in 2018 and 2025, the council now includes representatives from all major religious groups and state institutions. Its role is both consultative and practical: facilitating dialogue, resolving issues, and maintaining harmony among religious communities.

Education also plays a central role in strengthening tolerance. At the Uzbekistan International Islamic Academy, “binary classes” are held, involving figures from various religions. Students are invited to visit churches, temples, and community centers of Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and other religions. This program helps the younger generation understand the richness of religious diversity and counter prejudice and extremism.

However, Uzbekistan's path has not always been smooth. Open information spaces and migration trends have complicated the control of radical ideology dissemination. Misinterpretations of religion, sometimes used as justification to reject civic duties or dismiss women's rights, also threaten social cohesion.

To counter these challenges, Uzbekistan adopts a proactive approach. The government supports education in seven languages and broadcasts programs in 12 languages to ensure inter-ethnic and inter-religious inclusion. At the same time, Uzbekistan remains firm in maintaining secularism while promoting interfaith respect. In practice, this means religion is separated from state affairs, but all beliefs are still treated with respect and fairness.

Uzbekistan's experience shows that religious tolerance requires active engagement, and that a society upholding pluralism can be built and protected.

As Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its commitment to interfaith tolerance and harmony, the country has the potential to forge valuable partnerships with Indonesia. As two Muslim-majority countries with rich cultural heritage and high religious diversity, Uzbekistan and Indonesia face similar challenges but also share common values and foundations in supporting tolerance and pluralism.

Pancasila, as Indonesia's national ideology, promotes interfaith harmony, and the 1945 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens. The Ministry of Religious Affairs plays a crucial role in facilitating interfaith dialogue, overseeing religious education, and promoting tolerance, while civil society actively works to maintain communication and dialogue among religious communities.

Drawing from their aligned values and complementary experiences, Uzbekistan and Indonesia can jointly promote a model of religious harmony on the global stage.

Asep Saepudin Jahar is the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.
Kamilov Muzaffar Muratovich is the Rector of the Uzbekistan International Islamic Academy.