Agnes Anya, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has stressed the importance of upholding religious freedom as guaranteed under the Constitution, saying that the government would not allow for acts of intolerance.

"Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom. Therefore, we will not give even the slightest amount of room to those who promote and spread intolerance in our country. Especially those who act with violence," he said at the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta on Monday.

The President's statement came as a response to an incident at St. Lidwina, a Catholic church in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, in which a man reportedly attacked churchgoers with a sword during a Mass on Sunday morning, injuring a Catholic priest and several others.

Jokowi said that as a country with a wide range of cultures and religions, Indonesians had coexisted peacefully for many years. Still, he added, such incidents might take place, especially at a time in which the flow of information allows for the spread of intolerance.

He said he had instructed the authorities to investigate the case thoroughly. "I have ordered the authorities to take firm actions. The state will consequently uphold the Constitution," he added. (rin)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/02/12/no-room-for-intolerance-jokowi.html