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Minister vows to maintain interfaith harmony
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Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin (center) walks alongside with Nichiren Shoshu Indonesia (NSI) chairman Suhadi Sendjaja (second left) Indonesian Buddhists Association (Walubi) chairwoman Hartati Murdaya (right) during the "Long Walk for National Interfaith Harmony" in Jakarta on Sunday. (Antara/Reno Esnir)
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eligious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has said that his ministry will do its best to maintain interfaith harmony, following a rally that turned violent on Friday.
Lukman said on Sunday that his ministry would communicate with religious leaders to resolve the conflict after a protest by some 100,000 people against Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who is accused of blasphemy.
“Our nation’s motto is living in harmony despite the diversity of religious views. So, communication should not be difficult,” he said at a ministry event on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta on Sunday.
The event, themed “Long Walk for National Interfaith Harmony”, is part of a campaign to promote peace in the aftermath of Friday’s riots.
The event was also held to mark the 52nd anniversary of Nichiren Shoshu Indonesia (NSI), an organization made up of Nichiren Shoshu adherents.
Participants of the event included Islamic organization Nadhlatul Ulama, Indonesian Hindu Religious Councils (PHDI) and the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI).
NSI head Suhadi Sendjaja said the event was significant for promoting interfaith harmony.“I hope this event brings the importance of interfaith harmony into the spotlight,” he said. (adt/bbn)
