The Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it had called the Indian ambassador in Jakarta to discuss the riots in New Delhi that have claimed dozens of lives.
he Indonesian government has conveyed its concerns over the recent deadly riots in New Delhi, as anger mounts in the predominantly Muslim country over what local Islamic groups say is anti-Muslim violence in India.
The Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it had called the Indian Ambassador in Jakarta to discuss the riots that have claimed dozens of lives.
“The government of Indonesia has complete confidence that the government of India will be able to manage the situation and ensure the harmonious relations among its religious communities. Moreover, both countries share similar characteristics, as pluralistic countries that uphold democratic values and tolerance,” the ministry said.
The statement came hours after the Religious Affairs Ministry uncharacteristically issued a statement condemning the sectarian “violence against Muslims” in India, in an apparent attempt calm Indonesian Muslims after photos of the rioting, including one that shows the beating of a Muslim man by Hindu nationalists, circulated online.
"There is no religion that allows violence, regardless of what the motives are. Upholding humanity is the essence of all religions," Fachrul said in a statement
The minister said he believed the violence committed by some Hindus in India "did not reflect the teachings of Hinduism, but is the result of an extreme understanding held by some Hindus about their own religion".
He said he hoped peace would return to India soon. "I hope the people of Indonesia can learn something from what is happening in India," he said, adding that there should be no place for such religious violence.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.