Jakarta bombing

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Tuesday the bombings in Kuningan area in South Jakarta on July 17 damaged the tolerant and pluralistic character of the nation. In his speech at the commemoration of Prophet Mohamed’s ascent to heaven at Istiqlal Mosque the head of state again expressed his strong condemnation to the terrorists that had left nine people dead. "Whatever their motive and purpose are, the terror act is against religious teachings and national values of civility, tolerance and humanity," he said. The bombings at JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels had also damaged the sense of peace and security that had been developed hard by the country following various riotings and security problems in the country in the past ten years. "We wish the police could immediately uncover the case and bring the perpetrators to justice," he said. President Yudhoyono said Indonesia is a great and pluralistic country that has various ethnicities and religions.

The pluralistic conditions, he said, must not pose an obstacle to the nation in developing and promoting brotherhood, moderation, civility and tolerance. "This character is what has to be developed in the future," he said.

He said bomb terrors like what happened three days ago could damage such character that the nation would develop. The terror, he said, also left schisms in the hearts of the people who were just struggling to develop a more just and welfare life.

President Yudhoyono called on the nation to show to the world that democracy that was developing in the country was mature and peaceful. The commemoration was also attended by vice president Jusuf Kalla.