Interfaith harmony key to national unity

Manado, NU Online
Inter-religious harmony is an important factor in the maintenance of national unity and integrity, a North Sulawesi Muslim figure said here recently.

"If we make every effort to maintain inter-religious harmony, our nation will remain safe and secure," Taufik Pasiak said on the sidelines of an interfaith dialog in the predominantly Christian city of Manado.<<>br />
The dialog, attended by figures of different religious communities in the province, was organized by the North Sulawesi Communication Forum for Freedom of Worship in Indonesia (FKKBI).

Christian religious figure Jefry Saisab shared Taufik`s view and said interfaith harmony and cooperation should continue to be maintained.

"Religious harmony and cooperation should be preserved and maintained to reach our national goal of justice, prosperity, security and peace," Jefry said as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said the interfaith dialog in Manado was conducted to revive inter-religious cooperation to address various issues arising in the country.

"Religious leaders in other provinces who would like to know what religious harmony is all about should come to North Sulawesi to see it practiced," Jefry said.

The interfaith dialog in Manado was concluded with the issuance of a five-point statement titled "Manado Voice of Conscience" about the present conditions of the state and nation.

Meanwhile, chairman of FKKBI Ferry Rende who initiated the interfaith dialog said the statement would be handed to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, related ministers, House of Representatives (DPR), and Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

The statement was signed by representatives of all religions s in North Sulawesi, namely Taufik Pasiak (Islam), Jefry Saisab (Protestantism), Fred Tawalujan (Catholicism), Suryono (Hinduism), and Tjandra Nangoy (Buddhism). (dar)