PRESIDENT: RELIGION'S ESSENCE LIES IN VALUES, NOT IN SYMBOLS

Jakarta, Sept 6 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Saturday the essence of a religion lay in its values rather than its symbols.
Speaking at a fast-breaking gathering at the house of House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Agung Laksono, the president said one of the valuable religious teachings was "silaturahmi" (brotherhood).
"If we view it as a value we will be able to understand the benefit of the tradition of reaching out," he said.
The president who was accompanied by Mrs Ani Yudhoyono on the occasion called on all state officials to carry out their tasks better as part of their religious duty in the current fasting month of Ramadhan.
He also called for greater alms for the poor and the needy and better coordination of the alms distribution.
Seen at the fast-breaking function were other government officials such as Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Affairs Widodo AS, Defense Forces Commander General Djoko Santoso and chairman of the State Audit Board (BPK) Anwar Nasution and some House members.