President: Film "Fitna" can destroy harmony in inter-human relations

Bogor, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he had forbidden the entry of the anti-Islamic film `Fitna` into Indonesia because the film would destroy the harmonious relations among humans in the world.

"I have banned the entry and distribution of the film `Fitna` in Indonesia. I have also asked the Dutch prime minister to withdraw the film from all distribution channels. The distribution of the film could harm the existing harmony in inter-human relations in the world," Yudhoyono told thousands of people attending a service to mark the Prophet Muhammad`s Birthday at An Nur Mosque, Bogor, Tuesday (1/4) evening.<>

According to the President, the film produced by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders could trigger hatred of Islam and hostility toward Muslims in the world.

"In order to build world peace, there should be no provocation of hostility," he said, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Yudhoyono called on other Islamic countries` leaders to also ban the film. However, he also asked Indonesian Muslims not to be provoked to cultivate hostility.

He said he had asked the law and human rights ministry to include the film`s producer, Geert Wilders, on the list of foreigners not allowed to enter Indonesia.

Earlier on Tuesday, hundreds of students of Birrul Walidain elementary school and kindergarten staged a rally to protest and reject the production of the film `Fitna`.

"We reject the association of Islam with terrorism. We must respect each other to create peace. The world is beautiful and peaceful if religious differences are not accentuated," Memed Jamaluddin, chairman of the Birrul Walidain foundation, said.

The students burned posters and CDs of `Fitna` to show their rejection of the film which has insulted Islam. (dar)