Islam in Indonesia Tolerant and Democratic, Says Jokowi
London, 13 Rajab 1437/20 April 2016 (MINA) – Islam in Indonesia is democratic and tolerant, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said at a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron here on Tuesday.
“Having the biggest Moslem population in the world, Indonesia has an obligation to show to the world that in Islam, democracy and tolerance could go hand in hand,” he said at the meeting at the prime ministers office.
President Jokowi, as he is also called, underlined that Indonesia would be glad to share its experience with other countries, including Britain.
On the occasion, he said it was an honor for him to be able to visit London, reciprocating Prime Minister Camerons visit to Jakarta in 2015.
“Britain is Indonesias main partner. My visit this time will be used to strengthen our creative economy and industry,” he stated.
Prime Minister David Cameron, meanwhile, said Indonesia, with its biggest Moslem population, is a vital partner of Britain.
“We have also discussed economic partnership. We are the fifth biggest investor in Indonesia and our exports are developing,” he informed.
He said the number of Indonesian citizens studying in Britain has been increasing.
“I have also announced several important business deals today.I will also discuss CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) between Indonesia and the European Union. Britain strongly supports it,” he explained.
He said he had also discussed with President Jokowi how to overcome global extremism and terrorism. In this regard, Indonesia has a key role to play, he stressed.
“I am very impressed with what we saw in the Indonesian approach towards extremism and terrorism and to strengthen Islam as a peaceful religion,” he stated.
He said how Islam is taught in Indonesian schools could be used as a model for the world to follow and Indonesia must play a role in spreading it.
“I also extended condolences to the victims of recent terrorist attacks in Jakarta and elsewhere. They are innocent victims who have fallen prey to deadly terrorist attacks. Cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts between Indonesia and Britain is improving,” he concluded. (T/R07/R01)
