Jakarta, NU Online
General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Said Aqil Siroj emphasized the importance of applying the principles of tolerance in the midst of the Christmas and New Year 2013 celebrations. Radicalism in the form of terror would damage the name of Islam and Indonesia in the eyes of the international community.<>

"There's no point in doing terror, both at Christmas and New Year's eve now or at any other time. Radicalism, whatever its form, including terrorism, will only damage the name of Islam," said Kiai Said in Singapore on Monday (24/12) while he was undergoing a medical check-up on heart disease.

Radicalism, particularly in the form of acts of terror, is also considered to damage the image of Indonesia that has long been known as a pluralistic nation, but still can coexist peacefully.

"Indonesia in the eyes of the international community is known as a very tolerant nation. Such actions as radicalism, terrorism, or the like, will damage the good name of Indonesia," he said.
 
Said earning a doctorate degree from the Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, also conveyed his Christmas greeting to the Indonesian Christians Kriatiani.

"May this Christmas bring blessings for a safe New Year's celebration in 2013," he said.
 
For the creation of the secure Christmas and New Year 2013 festivities, Kiai Said called on both the police and the military to synergize in doing their duties, in addition to calling on the public to participate in creating security through behaviors that do not provoke the emergence of vulnerability.
 
"I personally, and on behalf of NU appreciate what was done by the  Ansor youth movement for participating in securing Christmas and New Year's festivities," he said, adding creating security was a must "for each of us".

Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq
Writer : Mukafi Niam