REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON -- Moderate Islam in Indonesia has become a strong foundation for the harmonious growth of democracy and Islam to serve as references for the international community to understand that they can coexist, Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated.

Kalla delivered the statement while addressing some 150 attendees comprising diplomats, academics, religious figures, and foreign and Indonesian students during his public discourse at the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies of Oxford University in Oxford City, the UK, on Thursday.

Second Secretary of Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs of the Indonesian Embassy in London Dethi Silvidah Gani informed Antara London on Friday that the presence of the vice president in London complied with the center's invitation to deliver a public discourse themed "Islam Middle Path: Indonesia's Experience."

During the general lecture, Kalla explained that historically, Islam spread in Indonesia peacefully, and the religion grew in society by respecting the nation's pluralism.

Also read: Speaking at Oxford, Jusuf Kalla explains about Ahok detention

In terms of the eradication of terrorism, he urged to intensify international cooperation. Such cooperation should be based on finding and addressing the causes of terrorism and not merely highlighting the timing and form of terrorism.

He emphasized that social inequality and misunderstanding of true Islamic teachings were two main causes of the growth of radicalism and intolerance. 

Responding to Indonesia's role in addressing the Rohingya crisis, Kalla explained that the historical background and trust factor were the basis for the efforts made by Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in helping Myanmar handle the problem.

In addition to delivering a public lecture at Oxford, Kalla visited the Olympic complex in London and gained inputs regarding the successful management of the Olympic Games in London in 2012. 

The visit became one of the benchmarks and inputs for Indonesia that will host the 2018 Asian Games.

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