Balinese urged not to emulate their neighbors

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Religious leaders in Bali are being called on to calm their followers in facing social and religious conflicts which have hit the neighboring island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara.

In a discussion to mark the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations, Balinese religious leaders and scholars shared their views to safeguard the island of the gods from any provocateurs aiming to cause religious disturbances.

Prominent Hindu scholar I Made Titib said here Tuesday that religious leaders, traditional community leaders and institutions were obliged to protect houses of worships--Hindu and Buddhist temples, mosques, churches and other places of worships.

"The local government must initiate a dialog involving all elements of the society to find solutions for various conflicts based on social, ethnic and religion differences," he said.

Bali will be safe provided that the government, religious leaders and the community work hand in hand to create a harmonious atmosphere, he added.