I told the Chancellor that various religious groups could happily coexist in Indonesia, but for some radical elements in the country."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Churches Communion (CCI) discussed with German Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel, during her visit to Immanuel Church, the issue of radicalism in Indonesia.
"I told her about how religious harmony in Indonesia is being disturbed by radical forces," CCI Chairman Pdt Andreas Anangguru Yeowangoe said after meeting with Merkel here on Tuesday.
"She paid attention to the issue and would convey it to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono," Yeowangoe added.
He stated that radicalism must be curbed by legal means, with the government's support.
"Without any proper law to fight radicalism, Indonesia will fall. That`s why we need our government to solve this problem," Yeowangoe said.
He explained that religious harmony in Indonesia was very much possible, but radical forces were making things difficult.
"I told the Chancellor that various religious groups could happily coexist in Indonesia, but for some radical elements in the country," Yeowangoe said.
Merkel`s visit to Immanuel Church, the oldest Dutch church in Jakarta, was part of her two-day visit to Indonesia. She will be in Indonesia from Tuesday through Wednesday (July 11) and her trip to Indonesia is in response to President Yudhoyono`s visit to Germany some time ago.
The two heads of state met at Merdeka Palace on Tuesday afternoon for a bilateral meeting, which focused on cooperation in trade, investment, education, research, technology, health, and defence.
Chancellor Merkel and President Yudhoyono are also scheduled to make an announcement about the Indonesia-German Comprehensive Partnership programme, aimed at boosting bilateral relations. (F013/A014/INE/BSR)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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