It was clearly a cowardly and irresponsible act. Moreover, the bombs exploded in a house of worship when the people were praying.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has vehemently denounced the bomb blasts targeting three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, calling it a humanitarian tragedy.

"The irony of the matter is that the humanitarian tragedy occurred precisely when Christians were celebrating their religious holidays. We express regret. The Christians are urged to remain unwavering, but vigilant and peacemakers for others," Minister Saifuddin noted in a press release received here, Monday.

Several hundred people reportedly lost their lives while some incurred injuries in the multiple blasts apparently targeting Christians in Sri Lanka, who were participating in Easter celebrations.

"It is an inhuman act and runs counter to religious values," he emphasized.

The minister has expressed strong condemnation over the ghastly attacks, regardless of who carried them out. The bomb blasts are a clear violation of religious teachings, as all religions detest violence regardless of the motive.

"It was obviously a cowardly and reckless outlook. Furthermore, the bombs ripped through a house of worship at a time when the people were praying," he emphasized.

The minister has called on leaders and religious followers to offer prayers for the well-being of the victims in Sri Lanka. He also called on the people to exercise restraint and not let their emotions spiral out of control.

Saifuddin noted that currently, the government, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, had made steady efforts in line with the developments in Sri Lanka's situation, including ascertaining security of Indonesian citizens there.

"Let us step up awareness to steadily maintain the security and sanctity of our respective places of worship," he stated.

He also called on users of social media to avoid being incited and spreading information that is yet unclear.

"Avoid circulating hoaxes on the Sri Lankan tragedy that the perpetrators expect will help to spread terror and trigger panic," he added.

EDITED BY INE

Translator: Bambang Purwanto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019