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.
"Do not allow the differences to become a threat but start respecting each other for the unity of the nation and state of Indonesia," he explained.
Such differences can be prevented from becoming a threat through the participation of all religious leaders as the basis of national unity, he added.
He said Indonesia is an archipelagic country, with abundant wealth and diversity, including religious differences. However, such differences should not to be viewed as a trigger to cause conflict or as a threat to the unity of the nation and state.
Meanwhile, Head of the Office of National Unity and Politics Dadang Wihana said developments in the world of information technology can be used as a preventive measure against conflicts between communities.
"Many are using the media to trigger problems, which should be avoided. Several steps can be taken to utilize information technology," he said.
Wihana said steps to prevent conflicts in media include utilizing social media as a forum to encourage friendship and trade as well as a platform to gain insights.
"If the community can utilize the media optimally, then conflicts arising from outside will not affect the occurrence of disputes, among others," he said.
He appealed to all people in Depok City to utilize information technology, especially on social media. It is hoped that harmony would continue to be maintained in Depok.
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