Bishop council criticizes the country's political elite<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Bishop Council of Indonesia (KWI) has
\ncriticized the country's political elite, accusing them of
\nfailing to take care of the people's interests and future.<\/p>\n
\"We regret and strongly warn the political elite,\" the
\norganization said in a statement issued on Saturday to mark the
\n54th anniversary of Indonesian Independence. The statement
\nreferred to social, political and economic issues facing the
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
\"Do not use the people's and the state's money to manipulate
\nand maintain the harmful political system and structure,\" the
\norganization said in the statement signed by chairman Mgr. Josef
\nSuwatan MSC and secretary-general Hadiwikarta.<\/p>\n
\"This country's leaders should not issue statements that
\nconfuse the people, much less make lies that erode the public
\nconfidence (in them), damage the people's spirit to live and to
\nfight for what is good,\" the conference said.<\/p>\n
It called on political and business leaders to focus their
\nattention on the plight of Indonesian children facing
\nmalnutrition, on education for the youth and the survival of the
\nnation.<\/p>\n
In another part of its statement, the council expressed deep
\nconcern regarding the \"ongoing tragedy\" in Aceh. \"The loss of so
\nmany lives and property -- the loss of peace and security -- must
\nnot be allowed to linger.<\/p>\n
\"The Aceh question will not be solved with mere rhetorics ...
\nand an oppressive security approach, (but can only be solved
\nwith) a humanitarian approach, dialog and openness,\" the council
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
On the protracted deadly conflict between Muslims and
\nChristians in Maluku, the council called on both parties to seek
\na common, larger good and not to allow themselves to be cruelly
\nmanipulated by \"uncivilized, irresponsible and inhumane people.\"<\/p>\n
Another religious organization issuing a similar appeal was 30
\nmillion-strong Islamic organization Muhammadiyah, who demanded on
\nFriday that President B.J. Habibie stop the violence in Aceh and
\ninvolve separatist rebels in the search for a solution.<\/p>\n
\"The situation in Aceh has reached a critical, boiling point
\nand unless the government handles this correctly, the nation will
\ndisintegrate,\" Muhammadiyah said in a statement. (edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bishop-council-criticizes-the-countrys-political-elite-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}