Speaking to journalists at the coordinating ministry's office here on Wednesday (Oct 23), Wiranto said the issues of radicalism, terrorism, Papua, and human rights, are among the unresolved problems he will work on.
Unlike other ministries, the ministry, currently headed by Mahfud MD, handles problems arising from the lives of community members across Indonesia.
"This ministry's tasks look simple. But, in practice, they are complicated and diverse," Wiranto said, adding that he was happy to know that his successor is Mahfud MD, a constitutional law expert who he has known well for many years.
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On October 10 Wiranto was assaulted by a man at the Menes Square area of Purwaraja Village, Menes Sub-district, in Pandeglang District, Banten Province.
He sustained injuries after being stabbed. However, his assistant shielded him from further stabbings.
Shortly after the attack, Wiranto was rushed to Pandeglang District's Berkah Public Hospital to receive emergency medical treatment. He was then moved to the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) in Central Jakarta.
While introducing his cabinet members, President Joko Widodo drew attention to the appointed religious affairs minister, noting the serious need to tackle radicalism.
Vice President Amin brought up issues related to radicalism during his meeting with Malaysian King Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah.
"I called on Malaysia to work together to develop a peaceful and tolerant Islam as 'rahmatan lil alamin' (graceful for the universe), so we can prevent the spread of radicalism in Islam," Amin stated in Tokyo on Tuesday.
He pointed out that Indonesia, with the world's largest Muslim population, along with Malaysia, play a pivotal role in developing Islam “wasathiyah,” a middle path or moderate Islam that justly balances the way of life, avoids extremes, and believes in moderation.
Both countries are expected to work to maintain peace in Southeast Asia.
"Indonesia and Malaysia are both Muslim-majority countries. At the same time, ASEAN is facing the emergence of radicalism and intolerance," Amin pointed out.
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
