Margareth A. Aritonang, Jakarta – Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed her concerns over rising intolerance against minority groups in the country, calling on the "silent majority" to unite to tackle the problem.
Speaking during a ceremony to celebrate the party's 44th anniversary in Jakarta on Tuesday, Megawati said the recent rampant violence against minority groups was due to "closed ideology" imposed by intolerant groups that referred themselves as "self-fulfilling prophecy" messengers.
"[...] It's time for the silent majority to speak up and team up," she said without referring to specific groups. "I am convinced that the majority of the people of the Republic of Indonesia love the unity that lives in this country," she added.
She repeatedly assured that such groups were against the state's ideology of Pancasila, which promotes diversity.
Megawati further called on all party members working for the government and for the House of Representatives to use their power to work for unity.
Several conservative Islamic groups halted a Christmas service in Bandung, while another group visited shopping malls in Surabaya in December to check whether workers were being forced to wear Christmas attire.(jun)