We have a tolerant outlook and have respect for the faith followed by other people."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chairman of the Peoples Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan held a discussion with Chinese Assembly Speaker Yu Zhengsheng regarding Indonesias four pillars and the cultural diversity of its ethnic groups that make up the nation.
"I pointed out the nations four pillars and the diversity in culture, religion, and ethnicity in Indonesia," Hasan stated after meeting Zhengsheng here on Monday.
The four national pillars are Pancasila, as the foundation of the country; the 1945 Constitution of the nation; the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia; and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or unity in diversity, as the motto of the country.
Hasan stated that unity in diversity is a motto followed within and among the states of the nation, which has been established on August 18, 1945.
Indonesian citizens have the same rights, and there are no rules that can create discrimination among them, he emphasized.
"Diversity in Indonesia is apparent by the tolerance exhibited by the communities. Majority of East Nusa Tenggaras residents are Christians, but its Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) speaker is a Muslim," he remarked.
In addition, he cited the example of the Istiqlal Mosque near Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church.
Hasan affirmed that although most of the Indonesians are Muslims, but they remain tolerant towards the religious beliefs followed by other citizens.
"We have a tolerant outlook and have respect for the faith followed by other people," he pointed out.
Hasan stated that the visit of the Chinese assembly speaker is a testament of the good relations between the two countries in terms of the government and parliament.
(Uu.A063/INE//KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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