Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA News) - Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo has ordered the imposition of firm sanctions on several public schools and their teachers who have been openly refusing to salute the national flag.

"That is not the way to live in Indonesia. The wrong in this case is greater because it is done by teachers who are supposed to be role models," Bibit said here on Thursday giving the reason for calling for the sanctions.

He said all Indonesians must safeguard the national Red and White flag and the "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" principles of unity in diversity.

"We must live and die for Indonesia. So do not follow those from other places," he said.

The governor also called on teachers not to give their students lessons which are not in the curriculum.

"Things like this must be stopped," he said.

Bibit Waluyo said cultural, ethnicity, language and religious differences must be respected.

Two schools in the district of Karanganyar, namely private elementary school Albani and junior high school Al Irsyad have prohibited their students to salute the national flag.

Several public servants assigned as teachers in a number of schools in the district meanwhile have also rejected saluting the flag.

The district administration and a number of parties concerned are trying to counsel the schools and teachers.
(Uu.H-YH/HAJM/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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