Saudi Arabia Condemns Terror Attacks In Surabaya

JAKARTA, May 15 (Antara) - The Saudi Arabian government has strongly condemned the terror attacks targeting three churches in Surabaya, East Java Province, on Sunday (May 13) morning. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has conveyed its sympathies to the Indonesian people, the government, as well as the family members of the victims of the deadly attack," Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Osama bin Mohammed Abdullah Al Shuaibi, said here on Monday. Such cruel and inhumane acts are not in line with the attitude of Indonesian people who love peace and avoid violence. "Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has also expressed his condolences to President Joko Widodo over the terror attacks that occurred in Surabaya," the ambassador remarked. King Salman has also extended his condolences to the victims and families and expressed hope that all those who were wounded would soon recover, he added. "There is no place for terror in the teachings of Islam," the ambassador explained. Prophet Muhammad was repeatedly subjected to terrible treatment by his enemies, but he consistently disregarded those insults and instead took the path of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. "Prophet Muhammad ensures peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Jews, and Christians," he stated. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invited the Indonesian government to jointly combat acts of terrorism, the ambassador elaborated. Jakarta Archbishop, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, had earlier denounced the acts of terror that left 11 people dead and 41 others injured on Sunday morning. "In this situation, we, together with all the people, strongly condemn the attacks, which the president has termed barbarous," Suharyo remarked, in a statement to reporters at the Jakarta Cathedral church here, on Sunday night. According to the bishop, violence by anyone, any religion, or any culture is not justified because it causes humanitarian calamities that some people refer to as extraordinary crimes. Despite sadness and anger, Suharyo invited the whole community to pray for the victims and their families, as well as for the security forces who are still working to investigate the blast in Surabaya. "I am convinced that the people of Indonesia want to provide support, through prayers in different faiths, to our innocent brothers who have become victims as well as those who are in the duty of maintaining the security of the people of the state," he pointed out. In particular, the bishop appreciated President Joko Widodo, National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and other state officials for paying a visit the site of the blast in Surabaya.