Jakarta Globe, Robertus Wardhy, December 28, 2013
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday urged the public not to let religious extremism flourish in Indonesia.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono leaving the national Christmas celebration in Jakarta on Dec. 27, 2013. (AFP Photo/Adek Berry) |
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday urged the public not to let religious extremism flourish in Indonesia.
“Morally
and socially, every leader in the country must prevent and reject extreme and
radical behavior,” he said, during the annual official Christmas celebration at
the Jakarta Convention Center. “Do not depend on state actions to overcome each
obstacle against tolerance and the peacefulness of life in society.”
He added
that each part of society must prevent individuals, groups and movement from
spreading radicalism.
The
celebration was attended by Vice President Boediono, chairman of the Indonesian
Bishops’ Conference (KWI) Ignatius Suharyo, interfaith activist Franz Magnis
Suseno, cabinet ministers and around 4,000 Christians.
“Our nation
must strengthen awareness and goodwill to build harmonious and peaceful living
conditions,” Yudhoyono said. “We must develop all this in toddlers and continue
it until school-age. Parents, teachers and religious leaders have a duty and a
big responsibility. Religious leaders ought to sow the seeds of good deeds and
grow them among their own people.”
Yudhoyono’s
comments came in the wake of reports of religious intolerance in the
archipelago, including the continued closure of the embattled GKI Yasmin congregation’s church in Bogor, which remains shuttered by the municipal
government in defiance of two rulings by the Supreme Court.
“Let’s use
our hearts and minds, not our emotion and violence,” Yudhoyono said.
“Principally, the state will intervene if there is no other way and prevention
fails to work. Law enforcement is the last option if persuasive approaches
cannot succeed.”
The event
was held after the actual holiday so that more guests would be able to attend.
“Since nine
years ago, prior to and during Christmas celebrations across Indonesia, I have
personally looked on hour by hour to ensure that Christmas security and
services are going well so that such an important celebration proceed safely,”
he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment