King Salman Calls on Religious Leaders to Maintain Tolerance

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud called for religious tolerance during his meeting with 28 interfaith figures.

“The stability in Indonesia comes from tolerance and coexistence among Indonesian citizens,” King Salman said as quoted from the press release issued by the Presidential Palace on Friday, March 3, 2017.

The meeting was held at Raffles Hotel in Kuningan, South Jakarta. President Joko Widodo or Jokowi also attended the meeting.

Read: King Salman Applauds Indonesia's-Religious-Diversity

The Saudi Arabia King explained that there are many ways to maintain religious tolerance, including holding interfaith dialogues. King Salman added that another way to maintain religious tolerance is by waging war against radicalism and extremism in Indonesia.

“All religions must strive to fight for human rights and people’s happiness. Therefore, it is important to fight radicalism and extremism,” the King Salman explained.

Jokowi expressed his appreciation for the message extended by King Salman to religious leaders. The president told him that religious figures are the pillars of religious tolerance and harmony in Indonesia. Therefore, President Jokowi said that they must be considered as assets.

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“The religious leaders are role models for the people in maintaining tolerance and respect to each other. They are assets of the nation who contribute to world peace,” Jokowi said.

The meeting with religious leaders was one of the today’s agenda for the Saudi King. On Saturday, March 4, 2017, King Salman and his entourage will go on vacation in Bali.

ISTMAN M.P.