REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on the Indonesian people to have respect for those following other faiths in an attempt to maintain harmony.

"We have to respect each other and laud the religious faiths of others," Jokowi noted here on Sunday evening.

In the current era of competition, Indonesia must have added value to compete with other countries.

"We should not spend our energy on unnecessary things. This country needs great energy to solve problems. If we can address the problems, we can surpass other countries," the president remarked.

President Jokowi had earlier urged the Indonesian people to maintain harmony.

"Indonesia is a big country, comprising over 17 thousand islands, 714 tribes, 34 provinces, 516 cities and districts, and 1,100 local languages. Despite the differences, let us stand united to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," President Jokowi said.

Whatever problems this nation is facing, whether it concerns religion, race, culture, and others, it should be solved through consensus as early as possible.

"We should be grateful that up until now, we still particularly enjoy peace. Hence, let us work together, regardless of race, tribe, culture, and religion, to maintain harmony by promoting mutual respect among people of different faiths," he emphasized.

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