"It is our responsibility to inform the world that Islam is a religion that promotes peace.."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Muslim World League have launched an international Islamic media website, www.islamicnewsmedia.org, to increase the public`s awareness of Islam.

Suryadharma Ali, Indonesia`s Religious Affairs Minister, said the government of Indonesia and the World Muslim League have worked hard to launch the website.

"Indonesia was chosen to provide the content for the Islamic media website," said Ali.

Ali said Indonesia was chosen because it is a multicultural society, where people of various ethnic groups live peacefully.

"Indonesia is considered a democratic country, with the largest Muslim population in the world. In addition, Indonesia has managed to maintain peace in the country (where various ethnic groups live)," said Ali.

The Islamic Media Website displays content that is uploaded by the administrator and people around the world. People can post their comments, thoughts and opinions on Islam.

"People can also download and share the comments through social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube," said Ali.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Abdullah Abdul Muksin At-Turkey, said the Islamic media website enables Muslims to disseminate information pertaining to Islam.

"Through this website, we can disseminate information (pertaining to Islam) to the international community," he said.

At-Turkey added that the website is a tool though which Muslims can eradicate the public`s misconceptions about Islam.

"It is our responsibility to inform the world that Islam is a religion that promotes peace. We have to show the world that Islam has respect for people of all religions. We can inform the world by sharing appropriate content, pictures and videos on the website," he said

The launch of the Islamic media website coincides with the International Conference of Fatwa (held from December 24 to 26), which is organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Muslim World League. Muslim delegations from 22 countries will be attending this conference.
(T.A060/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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