"We also note with concern the recent church burnings in Central Java. President Yudhoyono`s statement condemning the attack on the Ahmadiyah and calling for an investigation underlines Indonesia`s commitment to the rule of law," US Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel said in a statement posted on the official website of the Us embassy in Jakarta here Thursday.
"We encourage the Indonesian government to continue to foster tolerance and protect the rights of all communities," the ambassador said.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Wednesday (Feb. 9) said there must be no room for violence, and all potentials for violence and social tensions must be suppressed firmly in accordance with the legal and democratic norms.
"Although in a democratic country, we have freedom of expression and assembly, we must realize that there can be no room nor tolerance for speeches enticing people to acts of violence, much less to murder," the president said in his speech at a National Press Day function .
If there is a group or an organization repeatedly committing or calling for violent acts, security authorities must disband such an organization in line with the existing regulations and democratic ethics, according to the head of state.
The president said the recent violence in Temanggung and Pandeglang could have been prevented if local security personnel had been more pro-active and faster, and all parties, especially regional leaders at the village, sub district and subdistrict levels, had cared for and were committed to peace and tolerance.
Yudhoyono instructed the National Police to investigate and arrest the perpetrators and leaders of the anarchic acts.
He also called on the media to support the government by publishing news that promote inter-religion harmony and tolerance.
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Editor: Bambang
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