Religious support needed for harmony<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The government has pledged to take firm action
\nagainst people working to destroy religious harmony by burning
\nhouses of worship and holy books.<\/p>\n
The government also appealed for the support of religious
\ncommunities in maintaining religious harmony.<\/p>\n
The minister of religious affairs, Tarmizi Taher, said \"only
\nwith a stern government stance, supported by religious
\ncommunities, can social order, national unity and integrity be
\nupheld\".<\/p>\n
He was speaking after opening the renovated Pura Aditya Jaya
\nHindu temple yesterday.<\/p>\n
Last month, Tarmizi drew the ire of many Moslem leaders when
\nhe said it was religiously permissible for people to kill
\nrioters.<\/p>\n
\"There have been countless religious conflicts in the world,
\nand most of the victims were innocent, devout people,\" Tarmizi
\nwas quoted by Antara as saying.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has been rocked by several sectarian and racial
\nriots since late last year when dozens of houses of worship were
\ntorched.<\/p>\n
The worst riots were in West Kalimantan, the East Java town of
\nSitubondo and West Java town of Tasikmalaya.<\/p>\n
The tension continued this year when election-related violence
\nshook the East Java towns of Pasuruan and Jember, Bangkalan on
\nthe island of Madura.<\/p>\n
Tarmizi vowed to never let \"religious extremism and
\nradicalism\" grow in the country.<\/p>\n
\"In Indonesia, if the (Moslem holiday of) Idul Fitri eve
\ncoincides with the Hindu day of silence, the government will
\narrange both events to proceed orderly and safely,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Tarmizi said this reflected the religious harmony that had
\nlong been embedded in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
He said religious communities needed to filter for themselves
\nthe affects of foreign cultures, to protect their youths'
\nmorality.<\/p>\n
\"Inter-religious harmony is vital for the nation if it is to
\nface the challenges of the future. It's a foundation that should
\nbe maintained,\" Tarmizi said.<\/p>\n
The harmonious relationship between Moslems and those of other
\nreligions in Indonesia was an example of excellent religious
\ncoexistence.<\/p>\n
He dismissed recent riots with religious dimensions as local,
\nsaying the nation was still strong. (aan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/religious-support-needed-for-harmony-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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