Moslems told to stay away from riots<\/p>\n
YOGYAKARTA (JP): Amien Rais, the leader of the 28-million-
\nstrong Moslem organization Muhammadiyah, called on Moslems
\nyesterday to stay away from riots targeting the property of
\npeople of Chinese descent.<\/p>\n
Amien said attacking, burning and looting properties owned by
\nethnic Chinese -- as has happened in food riots in many parts of
\nthe country recently -- was against Islamic teaching.<\/p>\n
"I appeal to Moslems to remain steadfast when facing the
\neconomic crisis. Never be tempted to go on a rampage," he said
\nafter meeting with Catholic leaders at his residence here.<\/p>\n
Chinese Indonesians who are mostly Christian or Buddhist,
\ncomprise only about five million of the country's 202 million
\npeople but they dominate the economy.<\/p>\n
Mob violence that has erupted in Java, South Sulawesi and
\nSouth Sumatra targeted their shops, homes and vehicles. In West
\nJava, several churches were also damaged.<\/p>\n
He said that rioting was only adding to the hardship the
\ncommon people had to bear due to the soaring prices.<\/p>\n
Amien said the government was responsible for handling the
\ncontinuing riots and that what Muhammadiyah could do was to call
\non people not to resort to violence. (23\/pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/moslems-told-to-stay-away-from-riots-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}