TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia was a divine, but not religion-based country, which is why the idea to establish a religion-based state in Indonesia must be shrugged off. “This is a test for our country. Indonesia is a divine, but not religion-based country,” said the president on Friday.
President SBY said the founding fathers of Indonesia had fought to secure independence and that the next generation must maintain unity and pluralism. “Becoming prosperous and modern is useless if our country loses its most fundamental elements: Pancasila, unity, tolerance, modesty, pluralism and humanity,” said President SBY.
Thus, the president said the government strongly rejected the establishment of a caliphate by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Indonesia. “The government firmly rejects the spread of ISIS’ heretical view in Indonesia because it is dangerous for out identity,” he said.
SBY added that Indonesia was a well-respected country in the world. “Regardless of domestic problems, democracy, Islam and modernity can flourish together,” he said.
AISHA SHAIDRA | TRI ARTINING PUTRI | REZA ADITYA | ANTARA
