Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The executive board of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) hopes inter-religious relations in the country will be better and not be marred by any more conflicts in 2012.

PBNU chief KH Said Aqil Siroj said here on Thursday PBNU on behalf of all people was urging the government to take concrete actions to reduce and even eradicate all kinds of violence committed in the name of religion.

He also hoped the bill on inter-religious harmony which is now still being formulated would become the best solution.

"Domestic security problems including violence done in the name of religion are affecting foreign countries` confidence in the country. This is the homework the government has to finish," he said.

According to PBNU records, many cases of intolerance had continued to happen in the country in 2011 both between different and among the same religious followers.

"On the part of Islam the most remarkable incident was the one in Cikeusik. Incidents also happened among followers of Christianity which also has a lot of sects," he said.

Said Aqil said in any religion, including in Islam, violence was strictly prohibited.

"`Laa ikraaha fiddin`. No violence is allowed in any religion or in the name of a religion. Religion brings peace, makes life peaceful. No religion induces people to attack each other," he said.
(T.S024/H-YH/HAJM)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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