News

President calls on people to show Islam is peaceful

NU Online  ·  Ahad, 6 Juni 2010 | 02:11 WIB

Bengkulu, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all Moslems in the country to keep telling the world that Islam is peaceful.

He said at the opening of the National Koran Recital Contest here on Saturday evening that Moslems also love justice, shun violence and reject hatred and slender.<<>;br />
He said Islam also called for unity and togetherness. "By putting forward those values, God willing, we will be able to build strong tolerance, solidarity and cohesion among men on earth," he said before around 2,000 participants of the MTQ from 33 provinces in the country.

He said the MTQ this year was held in concurrance with the country`s efforts to build the nation to become an excellent and respectful nation that commands science and technology and are innovative, creative and hard working with regard to achieving its goals.

He said Indonesia must become a nation that loves peace, holds noble values of civilization and respects harmony in the midst of pluralism.

"We wish to build unity. We wish our country remain intact and united. We also wish to make Indonesia prosper, democratic and just," he said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Indonesia first held its national MTQ in 1988 and this year`s 23rd national MTQ lasted from June 5 to 12. (dar)