NU calls for prevention of intolerance

Jakarta, NU Online
An Islamic leader has called for prevention of growth of intolerance in Indonesia which could hurt the life of people.

Said Aqil Siraj, the chief of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), one of the country`s biggest Islamic organizations, made the call here on Monday after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono along with leaders of 11 national Islamic mass organizations.

"Intolerance is just emerging in the world including in the once placid country," he said referring to the recent killing of more than 80 people in Norway.

"We, Moslem organizations, condemn violence, radicalism, anarchy and terrorism which are all against Islamic teachings," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

The meeting that lasted one and a half hour discussed various national issues including the emergence of violences both done not or under the name of religion.

"We are very concerned over the emergence of such phenomenon," he said.

On the occasion the Islamic organizations also expressed their support to the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, the country`s Pancasila state ideology and the principles of Unity in Diversity.

"We are praying and will always support the constitution, the five-year presidential system, as well as the legislative and executive systems," he said.

Said Aqil Siraj said President Yudhoyono hailed the view of the Islamic organizations.

President Yudhoyono said a lot of home work still had yet to be finished and with regard to that he called on all parties to help achieve the development goals to improve the welfare of the people.

The organizations that attended the meeting include NU, Muhammadiyah, the Al Irsyad Al Islamiyah, the Ittihadiyah, Syarikat Islam Indonesia, Perti, Azzikira, PITI and Persis. (dar)