Press Conference of President of the Republic of Indonesia on World Latest Events, Specifically in connection with Inter-Religious Solidarity, Saturday, 31 October 2020 at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Good afternoon,

May prosperity be upon us,

Shalom,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Today, I and the Vice President, along with religious leaders from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI), the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), the Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI), the Indonesian Buddhist Association (Permabudhi), the High Council of Confucianism in Indonesia (MATAKIN), and  Cabinet ministers, have discussed the latest world events, specifically in relation to solidarity among religious believers.

First, Indonesia condemns the violence in Paris and Nice which have claimed lives.

Second, Indonesia also condemns the French President’s statement which insults Islam and is offensive to Muslims around the world. The statement can spark division among the world’s religious believers, at a time when the world needs unity to face COVID-19 pandemic. And the freedom of expression that does not respect the honor, sanctity and sacredness of religious values ​​and symbols cannot be justified and must stop. Associating religion with acts of terrorism is a big mistake. Terrorism is terrorism, terrorists are terrorists. Terrorism has nothing to do with any religion.

Finally, Indonesia invites the world to strengthen religious unity and tolerance to build a better world.

I think that concludes my remarks.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Translated by Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by Mia Medyana B