Try warns PIKI executives against provocation<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno has told the
\nAssociation of Indonesian Christian Intellectuals (PIKI) not to
\nrespond rashly to unrest or any other short-lived trend.<\/p>\n
Try told visiting PIKI executives at Merdeka Palace Saturday
\nthat they should instead enhance their analytical capabilities to
\nhelp the nation face up to future challenges.<\/p>\n
\"PIKI could play a greater role in the government's efforts to
\nbuild an orderly, secure, just, wealthy and unified society,\"
\nchairman Peter Sumbung quoted Try as saying.<\/p>\n
The PIKI executives, including secretary-general Cornelius
\nRonowidjojo, deputy chairmen Maurits Simatupang and Benyamin
\nWaturangi, and advisors Lt. Gen. (ret) Leo Lopulissa and Maj.
\nGen. (ret) Joseph Muskita, paid a courtesy call on Try ahead of
\nPIKI's annual congress from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22 in Pontianak, West
\nKalimantan.<\/p>\n
PIKI is the oldest religious-based intellectual group in the
\ncountry, it was established in December 1963.<\/p>\n
There are also Moslem, Catholic, Hindu and Buddhist
\nintellectual groups. The nationalist Association of Intellectuals
\nfor Pancasila Development (PCPP), founded in 1995, is the latest
\nsuch group.<\/p>\n
Peter said after the meeting with Try that PIKI would announce
\nafter the congress recommendations in connection with the general
\nassembly of the People's Consultative Assembly next March, which
\nwill elect the president and vice president for the 1998-2003
\nperiod.<\/p>\n
\"We will discuss and announce our stance on the country's next
\npresident,\" said Peter, former deputy chairman of the National
\nFamily Planning Board.<\/p>\n
Incumbent President Soeharto has so far found no real
\nchallengers in the race for the top post. If reelected, he will
\nextend the presidential job he has assumed since 1968 for another
\nfive years.<\/p>\n
Peter said the congress would also draft State Policy
\nGuidelines to be submitted to the assembly.<\/p>\n
He said PIKI chose Pontianak to host the upcoming congress
\nbecause it wanted to \"cool the tragedy-plagued town\". Riots hit
\nPontianak in January, the second wave of ethnic and religious
\nconflict to jolt West Kalimantan.<\/p>\n
There has been no official death toll of the riots. The Army's
\nMaj. Gen. Zacky Anwar said some 300 people were killed during the
\nfighting between the Dayaks and Madurese, but Army Chief of Staff
\nGen. R. Hartono denied it. (amd)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/try-warns-piki-executives-against-provocation-1447893297",
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