"At a conference which will be held in Bandung on July 3 to 6 2011, we will affirm that the PPP remains a party that holds Islam as its principle. It does not mean we will establish an Islamic state," Suryadharma Ali who is concurrently the religious minister, confirmed here on Sunday.
PPP will not retreat even a single step in holding its principle and will remain consistent in making Islam a principle of the party, Suryadharma said in his address when installing the PPP West Java provincial executive board in Bandung.
According to him, Islam should not be contested with the nationalists and democracy because Islam is obviously not contrary to freedom of nationhood, the state ideology of Pancasila and the Unitary State of Indonesia.
"We have understood that all Islamic parties, mass organizations and the majority of Muslims have confirmed to remain Indonesian. Thus, it is totally illogical for the PPP to set up an Islamic state. But, we remain consistent to make Islam the party`s principle," the minister noted.
In addition, Suryadharma said whatever their ideology if they cannot benefit the society, they do not deserve the people`s support.
Therefore, Suryadharma urged all the PPP cadres to try to be beneficial for the society.
(Uu.B003/H-NG/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
