President pushes for religious tolerance

Yogyakarta, NU Online
One cause of terrorism in Indonesia is intolerance, according to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. <>

In a speech on February 11th, Jokowi said that to combat terrorism in Indonesia, the government would focus on increasing religious tolerance using a cultural approach.

"Security approaches might not able to eradicate terrorism. In fact, it triggers more problems of retaliation from terrorist followers for the killing of their leaders and or their fellow members," he said at the close of the Sixth Indonesian Muslim Congress (Konggress Umat Islam Indonesia/KUII) in Yogyakarta.

The three-day event began with a theme of "Strengthening Muslims Roles in Politics, Economic, Social and Cultural for a Just and Civilized Indonesia."

"We have learned from our history that tolerance and mutual respect is the strong key to fight extremism," he continued, adding that as the largest Muslim country, Indonesia could inspire other countries to do the same.

"The world is focusing on how Muslims react with all of this growing radicalism . We can be role models for other countries, and we can," he said. "Tolerance is not something new; it is the foundation of our country. Religious tolerance is also covered in our five philosophies, Pancasila."

Attendee Nurita Abidah, a 23-year-old student from Yogyakarta said though a cultural approach seemed promising, she questioned what the concrete action was.

"Unfortunately, I am still uncertain how can the government will translate this approach into an action," she told Khabar. "I wish the officials explain more about this, so I know what I can contribute as a good citizen."

She echoed the president's sentiments that cultural approaches might best be pursued through unity.

"We should live in harmony, to help and to respect each other and to bring peace and share with others," said Jokowi. "I know we can."


Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq