All these are gifts from the Almighty God that we must care for and protect as the basic capital of national strength to build and progress together
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin believes that pluralism in Indonesia, with numerous ethnicities, religions, and cultures, should be fostered and maintained together as the basic capital for development and progress of the nation.

"All these are gifts from the Almighty God that we must care for and protect as the basic capital of national strength to build and progress together," Amin stated at the 2020 Indonesia's national church choral festival, known as Pesta Paduan Suara Gerejawi, or Pesparani, according to a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The vice president invited Indonesians to participate in upholding tolerance and harmony among religious believers to bolster unity and integrity of the nation as the most valuable legacy of heroes.

"I invite all Indonesian people to always create a harmonious, serene, peaceful, and tolerant life," he remarked.

Amin also lauded the Catholic National Pesparani Formation and Development Agency, known as LP3KN, as the organizer of the Virtual Choir Festival, for selecting a theme that best aligns with the myriad nationalities in Indonesia.

"I think it is apposite to choose the theme of this year's Pesparani, 'Brothers in Diversity', which can strengthen our joint efforts to build and nurture the spirit of nationality, which is expressed in the form of cultural arts creations," he stated.

During the pandemic, the church choir festival is being held virtually, so that it can facilitate the government's efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

"I witness that with great enthusiasm and togetherness, this year's Pesparani can be implemented well and successfully and still adhere to health protocols," he stated.

The 2020 Pesparani was initially planned to be held in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, but in the wake of the pandemic, the annual Catholic church event was held virtually from October 28 to November 10.
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Translator: Fransiska N, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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