Jokowi And JK Will Encounter Unity-Related Issues

Jakarta, Oct 1 (Antara) - President-elect Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) will face some grave issues related to unity in the country, stated Executive Director of Megawati Institute Prof. Dr Situ Musdah Mulia. "With regard to the commitment on ensuring unity, pluralism, tolerance, and protection for the minority, there are some serious problems that exist in Indonesia nowadays," she noted on Tuesday (September 29). According to Mulia, taking immediate action was necessary due to the problems associated with the attacks on the Ahmadiyah community, the eviction of the Shiite community, and discrimination against the local beliefs. "The state has been neglected and has not been present for the fulfillment of its citizens` rights. Jokowi-JK`s challenges on religious issues are crucial," Mulia stressed. A sociologist from the University of Indonesia Prof. Dr Tamrin Amal Tomagola stated that Jokowi`s commitment to unity and tolerance, as outlined in his government`s vision and mission, will face a political roadblock when it came to implementing the policies and selecting the ministers. "Jokowi, of course, should formulate the policies with the representatives and his supporting parties. We are yet to know whether all the supporting parties are pro towards unity and tolerance," he asserted. Tomagola emphasized that unity and tolerance are the nation`s true wealth, which have been sidelined by power-seeking elites. He added that it is time that the chief of the country implements programs to support unity and tolerance and also appoints officials who are committed to this cause.