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)