Jakarta – Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said in a statement sent by his assistant to The Jakarta Post on Sunday that he appreciated what Catholic educational institutions have done in spreading values of multiculturalism.
A staff member of the ministry, Nasrullah, said Muhadjir was aware of the negative comments that were made in response to the Post's article on Saturday and that it was a misunderstanding.
The article quoted the minister as saying that all educators should teach tolerance. The minister gave the speech in front of school teachers under the National Board on Catholic Education (MNPK) in Jayapura.
The minister said as quoted by Nasrullah that he attended the event, organized by the MNPK on Saturday, on the invitation of Catholic priest Rev. Darmin, the head of the MNPK. "This is not the first time I attended the MNPK's events," he said in the statement.
"I came because I appreciate and support what Catholic educational institutions have done, especially those under the MNPK," he said.
The event was titled "Strengthening Character Education Based on Multiculturalism Toward a Loving Civilization".
"What Catholic schools have done in teaching multiculturalism is important and should be done by other schools. I support the MNPK's policy in affirming character education by strengthening the multiculturalism dimension. Our educational process has to grow the culture of tolerance, openness and dialogue," the minister said. (evi)