Such a dialog can help prevent suspicions and prejudices that could lead to misunderstanding, according to Maruf Amin, who is also the general chairman of the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI).
"There are incorrect presumptions. This is not good if left unheeded because it has the potential to disrupt the unity of the nation. So, communications for all elements need to be built," he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said the national dialog is expected to be organized after a peaceful joint prayer gathering to be held at the National Monument (Monas) square on December 2, 2016.
There must be a new consensus to defend the unitary state of Indonesia and the nations unity in diversity, the NU leader and MUI chairman stressed. All sides must not see religion exclusively and in an extreme manner, he remarked.
It is important for religious leaders in the country to see objectively the diversity of Indonesia so that they adopt a moderate stance without, of course, sacrificing the basic principle of their religion.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
