Axis chiefs skip Muslim gathering
JAKARTA (JP): Tens of thousands of supporters of Muslim-based political parties attended an "axis force" gathering at Senayan Sports Stadium in Central Jakarta on Sunday to call for Muslim unity.
Despite the enthusiasm of those in attendance, reported at over 50,000, the event was slightly tarnished by the absence of such high-profile axis force figures as People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah Haz and Crescent and Star Party (PBB) chief Yusril Ihzra Mahendra.
Taking his lead from media reports on Sunday morning that quoted President Abdurrahman Wahid as claiming a grand plan to overthrow him, organizing committee chairman Habib Umar Al-Hamir opened the gathering by stressing that the event was "not intended to topple anyone".
He said the event was being held to unite Muslims in the political process of guiding democratization.
"We have to safeguard and straighten the direction of reform. Reform should be straightened by religion," he told the crowd.
A large banner unfurled on the side of the stadium read: "Axis Force -- Forward for a United Islam". But the absence of top axis force politicians served to dampen the significance of the event.
The axis force is a loose alliance of Muslim-based political party and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
It proved to be a pivotal coalition during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly in October last year, helping to catapult PAN chief Amien Rais into the Assembly speakership and helping Abdurrahman defeat early favorite Megawati Soekarnoputri for the presidency.
There was no immediate word on why a number of the leading axis force politicians did not attend the gathering.
The only notable political party leader to attended the four- hour event was Nurmahmudi Ismail of the Justice Party (PK).
Addressing the crowd, Nurmahmdi, who is also minister of forestry and plantations, expressed hope the country would develop a democratic culture with a clean and dignified government.
He added that Muslims now faced challenges in enhancing their unity, but stressed that they must not relent in their efforts to correct any mistakes in the reform agenda.
"Let's participate in the reform agenda which was fought for by students, ulema and the Indonesian people, to create a clean and democratic government," he said as quoted by Antara.
Other speakers at the event included Muslim figure Zainuddin M.Z., who told the crowd they had the obligation to support the government which was chosen by the people and to safeguard the nation's integrity.
"We, as Muslims, each of us has to be a medium to uphold national integrity," said Zainuddin, who was earlier known for his association with the Golkar Party. (emf)