Bishop council criticizes the country's political elite

JAKARTA (JP): The Bishop Council of Indonesia (KWI) has criticized the country's political elite, accusing them of failing to take care of the people's interests and future.

"We regret and strongly warn the political elite," the organization said in a statement issued on Saturday to mark the 54th anniversary of Indonesian Independence. The statement referred to social, political and economic issues facing the country.

"Do not use the people's and the state's money to manipulate and maintain the harmful political system and structure," the organization said in the statement signed by chairman Mgr. Josef Suwatan MSC and secretary-general Hadiwikarta.

"This country's leaders should not issue statements that confuse the people, much less make lies that erode the public confidence (in them), damage the people's spirit to live and to fight for what is good," the conference said.

It called on political and business leaders to focus their attention on the plight of Indonesian children facing malnutrition, on education for the youth and the survival of the nation.

In another part of its statement, the council expressed deep concern regarding the "ongoing tragedy" in Aceh. "The loss of so many lives and property -- the loss of peace and security -- must not be allowed to linger.

"The Aceh question will not be solved with mere rhetorics ... and an oppressive security approach, (but can only be solved with) a humanitarian approach, dialog and openness," the council said.

On the protracted deadly conflict between Muslims and Christians in Maluku, the council called on both parties to seek a common, larger good and not to allow themselves to be cruelly manipulated by "uncivilized, irresponsible and inhumane people."

Another religious organization issuing a similar appeal was 30 million-strong Islamic organization Muhammadiyah, who demanded on Friday that President B.J. Habibie stop the violence in Aceh and involve separatist rebels in the search for a solution.

"The situation in Aceh has reached a critical, boiling point and unless the government handles this correctly, the nation will disintegrate," Muhammadiyah said in a statement. (edt)