"Until now Indonesia and Israel still have no diplomatic relations. Therefore it will be inappropriate and rather extreme for a group of community members to celebrate the independence day of that country with which we have no diplomatic relations yet," he said to ANTARA here on Friday.
He said even for countries that Indonesia have already had diplomatic relations people had never overly conducted celebrations to mark their independence day.
He said this activity (celebrating Israeli`s independence day) could even have the potentials to create frictions among common citizens which should not necessarily have to happen.
"The plan to celebrate Israeli`s independence day will invite pros and cons due to sharp differences (over Israel) that still exist," he said.
In view of that he said the Democrat Party faction appealed to all parties actively involved in the planning including the Indonesia-Israel Public Affairs Committee (IIPAC) under Benjamin Ketang as its executive director to exercise constraint and respect the existing inter-faith tolerance.
Roy also appealed to security agencies to be able to act properly in dealing with differences by continuously giving better counseling and protection to the community.
The member of the House of Representatives` Commission I that overseas among others security affairs said he viewed the plan was overly and tend to bring more potential damage rather than benefit for the national unity and cohesiveness.
In view of that he said it would be very wise if it was canceled and changed into other activities that would bring more benefit to the community moreover in view of current social, economic and political conditions in the country.
The National Police meanwhile has said it would not allow the event to take place, which will be attended by Indonesia`s Jewish Community.
"We will not allow the event because the date (of application for a permit) is too close (to the date of event). It should have been submitted a week before," head of public relations Inspector General Anton Bachrul Alam said.
He said they should have informed the police a week before the event according to the rules.
He said "we have already told resort police commands that no notification has been made for the event. Besides recommendation is also needed before permit is given," he said.
Anton said the police had also banned flying of Israeli flags for the occasion. Although there is no Israeli representative office or embassy in Jakarta the Jewish Community in Indonesia plans to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Israeli independence, which will be the first ever, on Saturday (May 14). The event will also be attended by Singapore Jewish Community members hailing from Indonesia. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
