REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla is scheduled to deliver a speech on Islam and tolerance at the University of Oxford during a work visit to the Great Britain and Bosnia Herzegovina on May 16-24.
Speaking to the press at the Vice Presidential Office here on Tuesday, Kalla remarked that the University of Oxford had requested him to give a speech on Islam, particularly in Indonesia, to experts and diplomats.
"I have been invited to speak at (the University of) Oxford. They want to know how Islam is practiced in Indonesia. Many experts and diplomats will be present there," he revealed.
The experts and diplomats are keen to know the development of Islam in Indonesia, which is different from that in other countries, he said.
"They want to know about it. Why is the Islamic society disintegrated? Thank God, (Islam remains united) in Indonesia. For us, the important aspect is how to disseminate teachings that Islam can unite if we practice it properly," he noted.
While in Bosnia Herzegovina, Kalla will give a speech on the Indonesian economy to some 1,500 people.
"We always want to find new markets. Our economic (activities) have not significantly penetrated the Balkan countries. At the large meeting, we will hold talks with some businessmen," he added.