REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DEPOK -- Religious figures play an instrumental role in realizing national harmony and unity, as Indonesia upholds the basic religious values contained in the 1945 Constitution, Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris stated.

"Differences are important, and they will also strengthen the unity of the nation," Idris noted during a public dialog on the role of religion in maintaining national unity in Depok on Thursday.

Hence, he said religious figures must continue to intensify their role in practicing the values of the state and nation.

Idris expressed hope that society will not create rifts in the name of religious differences but will instead view them as the main capital to unite the nation.