JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Friday (December 27th) the country needs to focus on tolerance and pluralism and not let religious extremists exert influence, local media reported.

"Morally and socially, every leader in the country must prevent and reject extreme and radical behaviour," he said, during the annual Christmas celebration at the Jakarta Convention Centre, according to the Jakarta Globe. "Do not depend on state actions to overcome each obstacle against tolerance and the peacefulness of life in society."

About 4,000 Christians attended the celebration, along with other national leaders.

"We must develop all this in toddlers and continue it until school-age. Parents, teachers and religious leaders have a duty and a big responsibility," Yudhoyono said. "Religious leaders ought to sow the seeds of good deeds and grow them among their own people."