Jakarta – The country's second-biggest Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, has called for greater religious and racial tolerance in North Sumatra following the burning down and destruction on Saturday of several Buddhist houses of worship by enraged mobs in the city of Tanjung Balai.
No casualties were reported in what the youth association of Muhammadiyah called an intolerable incident that could harm Indonesia's religious and ethnic diversity.
"I call on local religious and ethnic leaders to make everyone understand that the true strength of the Sumatran people is tolerance and respect for diversity," association chairman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said on Saturday (30/07).
Saturday's incident began when residents reportedly got angry at a woman of Chinese descent who allegedly protested against a mosque using loudspeakers to broadcast calls to prayers and recitals in front of her home in Tanjung Balai. The situation quickly escalated as provocations circulated on social media against the woman.
Security has been amped up at monasteries and temples in the city to prevent further incidents, with authorities agreeing to hold immediate meetings with religious and other local leaders to reinstate public harmony.
"I have instructed members of our youth association there to speak with local groups to prevent more religious and racial conflicts," Dahnil told the Jakarta Globe.
According Dahnil, North Sumatra has always been known for its religious and racial tolerance and high respect for diversity. "There is no place for ethnic arrogance in Indonesia, including in North Sumatra," Dahnil said.