REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all national elements to continue to maintain the integrity of Indonesia by strongly rejecting the spread of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ideology.

In his annual state-of-the-nation address to mark the 69th anniversary of Indonesian independence at a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representative Council (DPD) on Friday, the president stated that Indonesia is not a theocratic country. He noted that the ISIS ideology ran contrary to the fundamental philosophy of Pancasila and is a threat to national identity.

"I ask all national elements across the country to jointly take a resolute action against this challenge, which is a test of the integrity of our nation," Yudhoyono remarked.

He affirmed that the national struggle in the 21st century was not to maintain independence, but instead, to maintain national integrity because how the nation would benefit by having prosperity while losing its fundamental philosophy of Pancasila, Unity in Diversity; and the spirit of unity, tolerance, harmony, pluralism, and humanity.

"Like our founding fathers who fought for independence until the last drop of their blood in the past, now is the time for our generation to play its part and defend our nation's integrity, identity, and philosophy," Yudhoyono emphasized.

On several occasions, numerous national figures and religious organizations have denounced the presence of the ISIS ideology and opposed its nationwide spread.

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