Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodostrongly condemned Quran burnings in some European countries during a meeting with Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)Hissein Brahim Tahain Jakarta on Monday.”Together with the secretary general of the OIC, Mr. President (Widodo) strongly condemns the burning of the holy Quran and they both agree that Islamophobia must be eradicated,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said after the meeting. Indonesia had summoned the Danish and Swedish ambassadors in Jakarta to express its condemnation of continued acts involving the burning or desecration of the Quran in both countries. The Danish and Swedish governments havecondemned the burning of the Muslim holy book and are considering new laws that could prevent such incidents. During their meeting, President Widodo and OICSecretary General Taha also discussed a number of issues, including access to education for women and children in Afghanistan. The OIC secretary general lauded Indonesia for its efforts to help Afghan women and children gain access to education. Indonesia has also said that it will send polio vaccines to help Afghanistan handle a polio outbreak. “The OIC secretary general also appreciates the active role of Indonesian scholars. We actively participated in the visit of OIC clerics to Afghanistan last year and this year, we have planned to have a second visit of OIC clerics, in which Indonesia will also participate,” Retno stated. Taha also expressed his appreciation for the help Indonesia extended to Rohingya refugees who entered the country’s territory. “The OIC secretary general hopes that Indonesia will continue to voice Rohingya interests in ASEAN forums,” Retno said. The OIC has also asked Indonesia to increase the provision of scholarships for African countries. Meanwhile, President Widodo expressed the hope that the OIC will continue to take the lead in fighting for the interests of the Islamic world. “And, of course, this position is a very strategic position for the OIC, and it is hoped that the OIC can become a positive force in the world that is very uncertain,” Retno said.
Source: Antara News Agency