The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono deserved his forthcoming award for letting religious harmony flourish in Indonesia. "We approve of the plan to honor the President," MUI leader Ma'ruf Amin told a press conference at his office on Tuesday.

SBY is expected to accept the World Statesman Award on May 30 in New York, a recognition for his support of human rights and religious freedom.

Ma'ruf said there was no reason to object to the award. "The state protects the freedom of all Indonesians to worship according to their beliefs," he said.