JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas urged the police to take firm action against any perpetrators of blasphemy for trying to disturb the unity and integrity of the Indonesian nation.
"I urge the authorities to take action against any perpetrators of speech or actions that lead to blasphemy religion", said the Minister of Religion in a written statement reported by Antara, Monday, April 19.
The Minister of Religion's statement responded to two recent cases of alleged religious blasphemy committed by Jozeph Paul Zhang and Desak Made Darmawati.
Paul Zhang claims to be the 26th prophet and challenges people to report him for his religious blasphemy.
Meanwhile, Desak Made Darmawati, who is a lecturer at a University in Jakarta, has hurt the Balinese people, especially Hindus, with his words.
Desak Made alluded to the values and practices of Hinduism in Bali which are considered misleading. Although in the end he had apologized to Hindus and the legal process continued.
"I appreciate the proactive steps taken by the authorities in following up and taking action on speech reports that contain blasphemy and cause anxiety", said the Minister of Religion.
According to the Minister of Religion, blasphemy religion is not justified for any reason. Therefore, it is the duty of the authorities to take firm action against every form of blasphemy, whoever the perpetrator.
He also invited the public not to be provoked by the two cases and to prioritize togetherness and tolerance which have become the hallmarks of the Indonesian nation.
"I ask the public to remain calm, prioritize togetherness and tolerance in the midst of the efforts of various parties to complain and break the unity and integrity of the nation", he said.
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