Balinese urged not to emulate their neighbors

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.