Wisdom needed in handling religious schisms<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Greater wisdom is necessary to handle
\ndifferences between religious communities in Indonesia,
\nespecially at a time when religious teachings are flourishing,
\nPresident Soeharto said yesterday.<\/p>\n
"Without it (wisdom), religious differences could undermine
\nthe unity of our nation," Soeharto said at a meeting with Hindu
\nleaders.<\/p>\n
"Unity is our chief asset and greatest strength as a nation,"
\nhe told the 7th congress of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia
\ncouncil in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
Religious differences were never disputed when the nation's
\nfounding fathers started their fight for independence at the
\nstart of the century, and later when they defended independence
\nafter it was proclaimed in 1945, Soeharto recalled.<\/p>\n
The state, as mandated by the constitution, guarantees
\ncomplete freedom for its citizens to practice their religious
\nbeliefs.<\/p>\n
But the constitution, besides mandating religious freedom,
\nobliges citizens to forge a peaceful coexistence between the
\ncountry's various religious communities, he said.<\/p>\n
Hindu is one of the five religions recognized by the state,
\nalong with Islam, the dominant religion, as well as Christianity,
\nRoman Catholicism and Buddhism.<\/p>\n
Soeharto said that religious life in Indonesia may be
\nflourishing but that it also faces a number of challenges.<\/p>\n
"On the one hand, we're seeing the revival of religions, and
\non the other we're witnessing various problems that were created
\nby the people themselves," he said.<\/p>\n
The religious renaissance is not only confined to countries
\nthat have sustained religions, but also in countries which once
\nbarred religions, he said.<\/p>\n
"At the same time that hope is rising, we are also seeing
\nvarious developments that are deeply disturbing, such as serious
\nenvironmental degradation, the growing abuse of narcotics,
\norganized crime, abortion and AIDS," said the head of state.<\/p>\n
The root of these problems is the attitude of some people
\nseeking enjoyment without regard for the sanctity of life, he
\nsaid, adding that one of the best ways to overcome the problems
\nis "by contemplating the teachings of our faiths."<\/p>\n
Soeharto urged the Hindu leaders to do their utmost to
\nencourage their followers to participate in national development.<\/p>\n
"Religious language very often has a greater power in firing
\nup the enthusiasm of people," he said.<\/p>\n
About 500 Hindu leaders are taking part in the congress which
\nends on Saturday. A number of senior government officials will
\naddress the gathering, including the ministers of religious
\naffairs, home affairs, security and defense, and the chief of the
\nArmed Forces.<\/p>\n
Minister of Mines and Energy Ida Bagus Sujana will address the
\nmeeting in his capacity as an elderly figure in the Hindu
\ncommunity in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the participants and other Hindu followers held
\nprayer sessions at the famous Prambanan Temple in Klaten, just
\noutside of Solo. (emb)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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