This is not the first time Macron has cornered Islam. Macron's statement has sparked the escalation (of protests), especially from Islamic countries and Islamic communities in the world.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the United Development Party (PPP) faction at the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, Arwani Thomafi, has strongly condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Islam.

He has also denounced Macro’s defense of the right to depict and publish cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“This is not the first time Macron has cornered Islam. Macron's statement has sparked the escalation (of protests), especially from Islamic countries and Islamic communities in the world," Thomafi said here on Wednesday.

He said Macron's statement has clearly and convincingly violated the principles of Article 18 of the Universal Human Rights Declaration concerning the Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion and the General Assembly Resolution 36/55 of November 25, 1981 concerning Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.

He said the PPP faction fully supports the Indonesian government's strong protest against Macron's remarks. The protest is in line with the Indonesian government's commitment to upholding the supremacy of human rights, particularly when it comes to the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, he added.

"We urge the foreign minister to take concrete steps in reaction to the issue, including establishing communication and raising support through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as part of the protest against the discriminatory practices," Thomafi said.

He also urged Indonesian parliamentary leaders to lodge a protest against Macron's remarks by taking advantage of Indonesian membership in international parliamentary organizations, including the International Parliament Union (IPU), ASEAN Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).

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Translator: Imam Budilaksono/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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