Distinguished members of the Indonesia-UK Islamic Advisory Group
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to receive you, members of the Indonesia-UK Islamic Advisory Group, here in the presidential palace. I recollect that more than a year ago I met your distinguished Prime Minister Tony Blair in Indonesia.  The visit is indeed very important one, and I regard it as a landmark of the rejuvenation of the Indonesia-UK bilateral relationship.

Members of the group
Ladies and gentlemen,

As I speak today, there are many positive developments in our bilateral relationship. The establishment of the Indonesia-UK Partnership Forum gives us the opportunity to discuss our political and social bilateral relationship in an open way. In the same format, we managed to re-activate the so-called All Party Parliamentary Group on Indonesia, in where two members of the Parliaments could meet and discuss every subject matter. As importantly, the Indonesia British Business Council or IBBC presently plays an important role in advancing trade and business between the two countries. The interaction between Indonesia and the UK in establishing a modern and dynamic relationship in defense and military is also flourishing.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The establishment of the Indonesia-UK Islamic Advisory Group is indeed another format of the positive results of the visit. The Indonesia-UK Islamic Advisory Group was established with a mandate to make recommendations to the governments of the UK and Indonesia, to counter the narrative of religious extremism; to promote Islam as a religion of peace, mercy and tolerance; and to promote better understanding of Islam and the West.

Initially, the group was expected to give the recommendations by the end of October 2007, one year after its establishment.  I therefore gladly welcome the progress made by the Group. Particular achievements of the Group that are highly appreciated, is the fact that recommendations are not consists of political statements or rhetorical words but most importantly, it highlighted the concrete, detail and do-able programs.

Hence, I do hope that the recommendations and recommended programs will focus on the community based activities that will enhance the network amongst the Muslim organizations and people of both countries, and have a continuous and long term perspective instead of one-time initiative. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

I warmly welcome the recommendations. I will personally study those recommendations and will do my best effort to ensure its implementations. I strongly believe that the British government will share our view.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Finally, let me once again congratulate each one of you, members of the group, for your tremendous and untiring efforts. I am confident that this endeavor will be a treasure to assist the two governments in creating a better understanding, combating religious radicalism in this world.

I thank you.