President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all parties to make Islamic religious teaching a way of peace and harmony among all people around the world.
Speaking at a fast-breaking function with media representatives, state institution chiefs and cabinet ministers at the State Palace here on Thursday evening, the president said Islamic religious teachings were a blessing and the way to a peaceful and harmonious life both on earth and afterward.<>
"Islamic values are universal and can be contributed to a peaceful, just, and prosperous world development," the president was quoted by Antara news aganecy as saying.
On the occasion the head of state explained that in various scientific debates, the issue related to Islamic values and their implementation in daily life came up frequently.
The fast-breaking function which started at 5:15 p.m. was also attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla and his wife Mufida Kalla.
Just like fast-breaking events in the past years, the program this time at the State Palace began with a religious lecture while waiting for the time to break the fast, followed by joint evening prayers.
Accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono on the occasion, President Yudohoyono said the participants of the fast breaking gathering at the State Palace would also be served with the study on Islam as a blessing for all people.
Also present besides Vice President Jusuf Kalla were Vice Present-elect Boediono and his wife Herawati Boediono, House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono, and House Deputy Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar.
While from the United Indonesia Cabinet members were among others Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono, State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Adhyaksa Dault, State Minister for Environment Rachmat Witoelar, National Defense Forces (TNI) Chief Gen Djoko Santoso, National Police Chief Gen Bambantg Hendarso Danuri, Attorney General Hendarman Supandji, and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman MS Hidayat. And from the press were among others Suryopratomo, Karni Ilyas, Toriq Hadad, Ahmad Mukhlis Yusuf, Asro Kamal Rokan, and Arief Suditomo. (dar)