Jakarta, Nov. 29 -- Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony among religious communities and within each faith in Indonesia's national life.

"I would like to quote a Buddhist teaching that is very relevant to our national spirit: 'How delightful it is to live in harmony, united without enmity among hostile people' (Dhammapada verse 197)," Minister Umar said during the opening of the 4th Pasamuan Agung Conference here on Saturday.

He noted that the verse conveys crucial values of tolerance and non-violence. Maintaining harmony in Indonesia's diverse society is a necessity, not a choice, he added.

"In Indonesia's plural society, harmony among religious communities and within each fait...