REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- British Prime Minister David Cameron met with representatives of Indonesian youth during his state visit to address the issues of terrorism and extremism.

"This can greatly affect the prospects of building a religious life that is moderate and tolerant," M. Arief Rosyid Hasan, chairman of the Executive Board of the Association of Islamic Students (HMI), one of the youth representatives, said after his meeting with Cameron at Sunda Kelapa Mosque on Tuesday.

"This meeting should be continued to discuss wider opportunities, especially among youth," he added.

Hasan remarked that activists and young intellectuals from both countries should be strengthened and given greater opportunities to voice their thoughts.

As a result, Indonesia and the United Kingdom can play a more significant role at regional and global levels to ensure peace and tolerance in both countries.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Cameron spoke about the reasons behind his visit to Jakarta, stating that sharing his experiences and learning ways to combat extremism from the Indonesian youth was one of them.

He plans to hold another meeting primarily to discuss ways to strengthen civil society groups.

In addition, Cameron agreed that Islam was not a religion that taught extremism.

The five young Indonesians who were invited to meet the British prime minister were M. Arief Rosyid Hasan of HMI, Irfan Amalee of Peace Generation, Widya of Sabang Merauke Institute, Diajeng Lestari of Hijabers Community, and Fajar of Maarif Institute.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo received British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is visiting the country, at Merdeka Palace here on Monday, July 27, afternoon.

After the British prime minister signed the guest book in the credential room in Merdeka Palace, the two state leaders held a bilateral meeting, which was followed by a meeting of delegations of the two countries, Antara learned here on Monday.

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