Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - Religious tolerance is the characteristic feature of East Nusa Tenggara province and therefore it must be maintained, Wirabuana Military Commander Brigadier General Heri Wiranto has said.

"Let us maintain religious tolerance in the province by mutually respecting our Muslim brothers and sisters who are fasting during this holy month of Ramadan," Wiranto remarked here Saturday.

He called on the residents of East Nusa Tenggara to maintain religious tolerance in accordance with the norms of Pancasila, the state ideology and philosophy.

Small and trivial issues, such as not smoking or eating in front of Muslims who are fasting is a part of keeping religious tolerance, according to him.

East Nusa Tenggara has received an award from the central government because the province has set an example of religious tolerance in Indonesia.

"Therefore let us retain this good image of our province as an example of religious tolerance in the country," the one-star commander said.

Further, he explained that temptation to damage religious tolerance currently exists in all areas, and therefore, both, the people and the security forces, must work hand in hand to prevent religious disharmony from happening, he pointed out.

Editor: AA Ariwibowo
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