Soeharto counting on ulemas' assistance<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that he is
\ncounting on the help of ulemas and other spiritual leaders to
\nbuild the character and moral strength of the Indonesian people
\nto cope with the challenges of the 21st century.<\/p>\n
Soeharto emphasized the need to nurture and foster moral and
\nspiritual values among the people.<\/p>\n
"This task cannot possibly be carried out by the government,
\nwhich is already burdened with so many administrative duties.
\nWe're therefore delegating this difficult, yet noble, task to the
\nulemas and other spiritual leaders," he said in opening the
\ncongress of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) last night.<\/p>\n
The ceremony at the State Palace kicked off a five-day
\ngathering of the influential organization which will also see an
\nelection of its leadership.<\/p>\n
MUI leaders said earlier that the meeting would address some
\ncontroversial issues, including the increasing violation of oaths
\nof office by senior government officials, corruption in the
\nadministration and the campaign for the use of condoms in the
\nfight against AIDS. The council has stated its firm objection to
\nthe condom campaign being conducted by the government.<\/p>\n
Soeharto linked his speech to next month's 50th anniversary of
\nIndonesia's independence, acknowledging the role ulemas played in
\nfiring up the people's spirit during the independence struggle 50
\nyears ago.<\/p>\n
"We hope that in this era of physical and spiritual
\ndevelopment, the ulemas will also be able to fire up the spirit
\nof development among the Moslem community," he said.<\/p>\n
In a country which is predominantly Moslem ulemas would always
\nplay an important role in state affairs, he said. "It has always
\nbeen a tradition in our society to turn to ulemas for advice on
\nspiritual matters as well as in relation to daily life
\nactivities."<\/p>\n
Soeharto admitted that role of ulemas in Indonesia went beyond
\nsimply religious matters.<\/p>\n
"Ulemas were in the front lines during the struggle against
\ncolonialism, the nationalist movement, in the establishment of
\nthe state, and during independence war.<\/p>\n
"Some of the leaders of this nation, and some of Indonesia's
\nfounding fathers, were ulemas. It is therefore normal to see
\nulemas playing an active role in this nation, today."<\/p>\n
Another crucial role that ulemas had played was as a bridge
\nbetween the Moslem community and the government, especially on
\nreligious matters, he said.<\/p>\n
They had been crucial in promoting harmonious coexistence
\nbetween the various religious communities in Indonesia, Soeharto
\nsaid. "In the two decades since it was established, the MUI has
\ncontributed significantly to national development. We now rarely
\nhear about conflicts between various religions, which often
\noccurred in the 1970s," he said.<\/p>\n
One specific task that Soeharto expected the MUI to perform
\nwas to foster a more creative and competitive Moslem community in
\nIndonesia, in view of increasing global economic competition in
\nthe 21st century.<\/p>\n
Soeharto said the council should seek to nurture the mental
\nstrength and character necessary for a Moslem to become
\nentrepreneur. (emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/soeharto-counting-on-ulemas-assistance-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}