Jakarta, Oct. 8 -- Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting freedom of religion and promoting tolerance in Indonesia's diverse society while opening the fifth National Congress of the Association of Indonesian Pastors on Thursday.

"The government takes this matter very seriously. The state must guarantee that every citizen is free to follow and practice any religion, as mandated by the 1945 Constitution," he said in Tangerang, Banten.

Gibran stressed that tolerance is particularly important in Indonesia, given its cultural and religious diversity.

"It is crucial that we make every effort to maintain unity and peace while upholding the values of tolerance. I sincerely apologize if you st...