Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended the commemoration of Day of Silence (Nyepi Day) 2017, which calls for increasing tolerance among religious communities.
Jokowi arrived at the Ahmad Yani Sport Center of Jakarta in the company of State Secretary Minister Pratikno on Saturday.
Chairman of the Committee for the commemoration of Day of Silence Inspector General (Pol) Ketut Untung Yoga said Hindus have selected the theme that invites Indonesian communities to boost unity in diversity in the nation.
Yoga added that Indonesia is currently witnessing a decrease in tolerance and awareness of unity in diversity.
According to the chairman, Hindu religion teaches its followers to adopt universal values that call to respect all humans as brothers.
"When people are aware that they are brothers, they can develop strength to maintain unity in Indonesia," Yoga emphasized.
Several officers who attended the event comprised Indonesian Military Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo, Head of the Indonesian Police General (Pol) Tito Karnavian, and Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.
Hindus across Indonesia observed the Day of Silence on Tuesday (Mar 28) by staying away from work and fasting as a mark of worship.
Hindus follow four rules during Nyepi Day: not lighting a fire and staying away from work, travel, and forms of entertainment.(WDY)
