Religious figures' role is important upon entering the post-pandemic eraJakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has encouraged religious figures in Indonesia to play a supporting role in the government's plan to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 that is projected to become endemic in the near future.
"Religious figures' role is important upon entering the post-pandemic era. They are essential to maintain, motivate, and uplift the spirit of the people in their religious, social, and economic life while also maintaining harmony among members of the public," Vice President Amin stated in his opening remarks during the national interfaith dialogue hosted by the Istiqlal Mosque Administrator Agency from the official residence in Jakarta, Tuesday.
Amin admitted that religious figures often faced challenges and disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially after two years of pandemic response and restrictions profoundly affecting social, economic, and public life.
"During the pandemic, the Ulema should instill a sense of understanding of the importance of personal health, observing health protocols, and vaccinations as obligatory effort any pious and religious person should undertake," Amin emphasized.
The vice president also encouraged religious figures to uplift the public spirit in a bid to encourage recovery to reach the pre-COVID-19 situation.
"We should encourage the people to close the gaps that existed due to the COVID-19 pandemic while also preparing for the endemic phase of the disease we may face soon," Vice President Amin remarked.
He lauded the national interfaith dialog hosted by the Istiqlal Mosque Administrator Agency in Jakarta as a medium to bolster religious harmony and people's unity in Indonesia.
"This national interfaith dialog is important because the Indonesian people's diverse backgrounds, religions, ethnic groups, and races are our defining character for our unity in building the nation," the vice president added.
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Translator: Fransiska N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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