Bishop council criticizes the country's political elite

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)