Kupang (ANTARA) – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Monday urged Indonesians to safeguard national unity and strengthen interfaith tolerance as global tensions rise due to conflicts in the Middle East.
“As a diverse nation, we must maintain unity and peace while upholding tolerance,” he said during a visit to Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
He delivered the message while opening the 30th Easter Parade Festival organized by the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT), calling on citizens to respect differences in culture and religion.
Gibran warned the public against being provoked by misinformation or unverified content circulating on social media platforms.
“When misunderstandings arise, we must act quickly to mediate, clarify and find common ground,” he said.
The vice president also urged all segments of society to work together to preserve harmony, which he described as essential for national development.
He stressed that no country can progress under conditions of instability, division or social fragmentation.
Gibran also commended the GMIT for consistently promoting peace and tolerance in NTT and beyond.
He said such efforts play an important role in strengthening social cohesion across Indonesia.
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The vice president further highlighted that unity is increasingly crucial as Indonesia faces potential economic spillovers from global conflicts.
He noted that wars can create shocks even for countries not directly involved in hostilities.
“One lesson is that conflict brings setbacks and significant costs, both for those involved and for others,” he said.
Gibran added that maintaining domestic stability would help Indonesia withstand external pressures.
He also emphasized the importance of public awareness in preventing the spread of divisive narratives.
At the event, the vice president symbolically handed over a torch to participants of the Easter parade.
The gesture was intended to promote a message of peace amid ongoing global tensions.
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Translator: Kornelis K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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