REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said radicalism and extreme ideas must not be allowed to grow in Indonesia because they would only disrupt current peaceful and harmonious relations between different religious followers.

"Do not let radical and extreme ideas grow in this country," he said in his speech at the event marking the national Christmas celebrations on Friday evening. 

Yudhoyono said awareness must be developed early among younger generations in the country to grow the spirit of tolerance, brotherhood and peace.

President Yudhoyono attended the event in the company of First Lady Any Yudhoyono and also several cabinet ministers and other high ranking state officials including vice president Boediono and wife Mrs Herawati Boediono. The event was also attended by around 4,000 people. 

Yudhoyono said that creating just peace in the context of pluralism, environment and democracy was not only the task of the state but also of all stakeholders in the country including religious and community leaders.

"Do not only rely on the state to overcome any disruption to tolerance and harmony," he said.

The chairman of the Indonesian Bishops Conference, Mgr Iganitus Suharyo on the occasion narrated the Christmas message while the head of the Indonesian Communion of Churches. Rev. Kumala Seriabrata read the prayers. Mgr Ignatius said Christmas was reflection of how far "we could bring peace anywhere we are." 

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