Jember, East Java (Antara) - Former First Lady Shinta Nuriyah, wife of the late Indonesian fourth president Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), has highlighted the importance of pluralism and harmony.
Attending a pre-dawn meal gathering with a group of poor people in the Kemuning Lor Village here on Monday, Nuriyah remarked that pluralism and religious harmony are important in maintaining the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
"All humans, regardless of their religion, tribe, and culture, must be respected and not despised or hated," Nuriyah remarked.
She noted that unity in Indonesia, which is made up of different religions, tribes, cultures, and languages, must be maintained, and that the people must live together in harmony and tolerance.
"I call on all Indonesian people to respect the diversity of values and maintain the NKRI, as many still do not understand the importance of pluralism, which was promoted by Gus Dur," she remarked.
The former Indonesian first lady also called on all public elements to use social media in positive ways and to not spread slander, hatred, and hostility.
Similar to her husband Gus Dur, Nuriyah also continues to campaign for the importance of pluralism and harmony among religious believers, especially in Indonesia.(*)
