Balinese continue protests at slur

Balinese continue protests at slur

DENPASAR: Thousands of Balinese Hindus in Jembrana regency
prayed on Tuesday for the nation's leaders to have a clear
conscience in settling the alleged slur on their religion by
Cabinet minister A.M. Saefuddin.

Antara reported that those attending the prayer at the
Jagatnatha temple included private employees, civil servants and
public transport drivers and villagers from 59 villages in the
regency.

They later proceeded to the local legislature office (DPRD) to
voice their concern over the statement of the food and
horticulture minister. Three weeks ago Saefuddin stated he was a
better presidential candidate than popular Megawati Soekarnoputri
of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) because he was a Moslem
and Megawati was a "Hindu".

Saefuddin has apologized more than once, but the predominantly
Hindu Balinese want him sacked while some Moslems have insisted
an apology should be enough. The ritual was led by Dwipa Wiyasa,
the chairman of the Jembrana chapter of the Association of
Indonesian Hindus (PHDI), who later read their demand at the
legislature office before Regent Ida Bagus Indugosa and DPRD
chairman Rachma Oing. (aan)