Moslems told to renew religious commitment<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher
\ncalled on religious leader and other Indonesians Wednesday to
\nwork together to strengthen harmonious coexistence among
\nbelievers of different faiths.<\/p>\n
In his address to commemorate Islamic New Year Wednesday,
\nTarmizi hoped that Indonesian Moslems would follow the teachings
\nof Prophet Muhammad on harmonious and peaceful living. The
\nProphet told people to love one another regardless of their
\norigins, ethnic or religious backgrounds.<\/p>\n
"Islam and other religions basically bring happiness and not
\nconflict to people," said Tarmizi.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, when speaking at the opening of Muharram Week at
\nthe Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, also Wednesday, Tarmizi said that
\nthe Islamic New Year was the new yardstick for people to refresh
\ntheir commitment to religious concepts and values.<\/p>\n
He said there were two main concepts of religious values:
\nritual and social piousness which could unite people in peace and
\negalitarianism.<\/p>\n
An exhibition, bazaar and arts festivals on Islam will be held
\nto celebrate Muharram Week, which will end May 12, Antara
\nreported.<\/p>\n
The start of the Islamic New Year, known as the first
\nMuharram, coincided with the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ on
\nThursday, May 8.<\/p>\n
"Ritual piousness enables Moslems to maintain the correct
\nconcept of religious ritual and belief, while social piousness
\nmaintains people's respect and cooperation. These let people
\nbuild strong solidarity by which society's morality can easily be
\npreserved," Tarmizi said.<\/p>\n
On ways to develop Islamic arts and culture, Tarmizi said he
\nhoped the Association of Islamic Artisans and Cultural Observers
\nhad appropriate strategies and programs to curb materialism and
\natheism in the globalization era.<\/p>\n
"Global culture has produced a pop culture, which could
\ndestroy the nation morale and erode nationalism," Tarmizi said.<\/p>\n
"The nation of Indonesia will still stand tall not only
\nbecause of its economic strength, but also because of its
\ncultural resilience. Islamic artists and cultural observers have
\nsignificant roles in developing and maintaining cultural
\nresilience," he said.<\/p>\n
Tarmizi said he supported the association's plan to establish
\nan artists and cultural observers council to create concepts and
\nideas which the government could use in policy development.<\/p>\n
PPP<\/p>\n
The United Development Party (PPP) central board congratulated
\nall people, especially Moslems, on the Islamic New Year
\ncelebrations.<\/p>\n
"The (Islamic) New Year is always meaningful to all members of
\nthe PPP, a political party for Moslems," PPP deputy secretary
\ngeneral Bachtiar Chamsyah said Wednesday.<\/p>\n
"All PPP members should celebrate the new year and wish the
\nparty success in gaining more votes in the coming election," he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the PPP campaigned in Jakarta and some areas of
\nJava, Maluku and Irian Jaya. (06\/sur)<\/p>",
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