REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia needs to take the initiative to fight for the approval of UN anti-defamation of religions resolution at the United Nations, the Sabang-Marauke Circle (SMC) organization chairman said. "The departure of President Susilo Bambang Yudhohono (SBY) to a UN General Assembly session provides a good moment (for him to speak of) the insult to religion," SMC Chairman Syahganda Nainggolan said on Saturday.

He added that Indonesia needed to take the initiative to convey the message for inclusion in a UN resolution so that the world would be freed from defamation of religions and religious related conflicts. "This is urgent for the sake of respect to freedom of religions and to a peaceful world," he said.

Thus, he noted, the conflict due to insults to religions, which often take place, such as religious defamation in the form of film, cartoon, text and other forms, would not continue to flourish in the future.

Earlier, international law expert Hikmahanto Juwana also agreed. He said that during his visit to New York, SBY must convey the message of Muslim concern regarding the excessive attitude of the West in using freedom of expression.

"SBY must utilize his visit to convey the concern of Muslim countries. The governments of Western countries should not be excessive in using the expression of freedom that insults Islam," he said and added that if the expression of freedom would cause disturbances to international security, then international security should be given priority.

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