TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - ASEAN highly condemned the act of Quran burning following the recent acts done by a Swedish politician and other European countries.

The Southeast Asian Bloc through a statement issued in the meeting of foreign ministers in Jakarta on Friday and Saturday, 3-4 February 2023, stated that "we strongly condemn the actions of extremists, right-wing politicians in certain countries who burn and desecrate the Quran last month. This act of blasphemy has hurt and tarnished religious tolerance."

A leader of Stram Kurs political party from Denmark, Rasmus Paludan, burned the Muslim holy book in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 21. The Quran burning was initiated when Paludan demonstrated before the Turkish Embassy HQ in Sweden regarding the NATO membership of the Nordic country.

Paludan also conveyed his disdain for Islam and immigrants in Sweden. He claimed that his action was a form of freedom of expression and said that it's best for those who don't accept his statement to leave Sweden immediately.

ASEAN highlighted that the freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly. "We reaffirm ASEAN's commitment to continuously promote dialogue and understanding and encourage the spirit of peaceful coexistence, to achieve peace and harmony in a diverse global community," it said.

Paludan's acts sparked protests and criticism from world Muslim countries, including neighboring country Indonesia. Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister summoned the Swedish Ambassador last week for an explanation regarding this issue.

Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that Islamophobic provocations are appalling. "Sweden has a far-reaching freedom of expression, but it does not imply that the Swedish Government, or myself, support the opinions expressed," the minister said on his Twitter account.

Paludan had previously staged several acts of Quran burning, including in April last year. Despite condemnation from Islamic countries, Paludan did not stop and threatened to burn the holy book on every Friday.

Another right-wing politician in the Netherlands also burned Quran, while other countries, such as Norwegia, prevented the act to occur.

Daniel A. Fajri

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