"It would be a great happiness if all could become part of the solution," the president said in his address during the observance of the Buddhist Waisyak Day of Enlightenment here on Saturday evening.
President Yudhoyono hoped that all parties would contribute to the solution, not just criticizing, blaming and showing egoistic attitude.
He specifically called on religious leaders to give priority to wisdom, respectability and nobleness in the face of the nation`s problem.
"I hope that religious leaders would play the main role in providing examples and enlightenment to the people," he said.
He said that it would be very wise if religious leaders could show optimistic attitude and issue reassuring statements over all issues faced by the people.
He said that with the passage of time, the problem faced by the nation was not becoming easier and easier.
The president also said that the observance of the Waisyak Day was special this year because it was held not far from the 103th National Awakening Day when the people marked their awareness on the need to rise as a nation.
On the occasion, chief organizer Hartati Murdaya expressed in her address appreciation to the government who had recognized the legitimacy of all religions, including the Buddhist religion in Indonesia.
She said that the objective of the observance of the Waisyak Day was to remind all followers of the life of the Buddhist and to build interfaith harmony, between the Buddhist followers and other religious adherents and between the Buddhist and the government.
The president was accompanied by Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, Vice President Boediono and Mrs Herawati Boediono.
Also present were People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR)Speaker Taufik Kiemas, Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, Religious Minister Suryadharma Ali,Chief People`s Welfare Minister Agung Laksono, State Enterprise Minister Mustafa Abubakar, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi and Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam.
(SYS/A014/H-YH)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
