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resident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Saturday pledged to be tough on those responsible for violence against religious minorities.

'We will not tolerate senseless violence committed in the name of religion or identity,' Yudhoyono said in his opening speech at the Bali Art Festival on Saturday.

Yudhoyono said he would bring justice to those who attempted to unsettle the country's unity.

'We will make sure those who harm the characteristics of unity and harmony or commit intolerant acts will be brought to justice,' the President said.

Yudhoyono has been criticized for his inaction in the face of rampant religious intolerance.

Protests were further fueled when Yudhoyono received the World Statesman Award from New York-based interfaith organization the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) earlier this month.

In his acceptance speech, Yudhoyono vowed he would do more to address intolerance in the country.

'We will not allow the desecration of places of worship, of any religion, for whatever reason. We will always protect our minorities and ensure no one suffers from discrimination.'

Responding to Yudhoyono's latest pledge, spokesperson for the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation, Zafrullah Ahmad Pontoh, said members of his community would wait for Yudhoyono to take actual action.

'We hope Mr. President [will] punish those who commit violence and discrimination toward minorities groups,' he said on Sunday.

Spokesperson of the Indonesian Christian Church Yasmin, Dwiati Novita Rini, said that with or without Yudhoyono's new pledge, all the group wanted was the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, which ordered the reopening of the church.

'We don't see relocating minority groups as the answer. It infringes on the rights of minorities,' she said. (tam)