Bosnian mufti seeks RI support

JAKARTA (JP): The grand mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mustafa Ceric, appealed on Saturday for greater Indonesian support in his country's struggle for survival.

Ceric said he hoped the people of Indonesia, which has the largest Moslem population in the world, would step up their support the Bosnian struggle.

Ceric was in town over the weekend as part of a tour of the region to solicit greater support and aid for his country.

He expressed appreciation for the support Indonesia has provided to date, but said that developments in the war-torn former Yugoslav republic have placed the Bosnian people in a situation of even more dire need.

Ceric, considered one of Bosnia's most senior religious leaders, said that it would be more effective if aid were transferred through established institutions, rather than on an individual person-to-person basis.

Speaking at a discussion on Bosnia sponsored by the Center for Information and Development Studies, Ceric said that by making donations through formal institutions, the aid provided would be more easily accounted for and managed in meeting the needs of the people.

Indonesia's Moslem community has shown concern over the plight of the predominantly Moslem people of Bosnia.

Thousands of Indonesian youths volunteered last to fight in defense of the besieged country, although they were never sent to Bosnia.

Private groups, led by the Indonesian Solidarity Committee for Bosnia-Herzegovina, have also contributed substantially to the cause. This committee is estimated to have given more than US$1.5 million to the Bosnian government.

Committee Chairman Probosutedjo, the brother of President Soeharto, pledged a further $400,000 during a meeting with visiting Bosnian Prime Minister Haris Siladjzic last year.

The Indonesian government has also extended strong diplomatic and financial support to Bosnia, donating $5 million. However, Jakarta has so far been reluctant to supply armaments, citing the fact that Indonesia is not a major arms producer.

The government has said it is willing to financially support the establishment of a Bosnian embassy here, with businessman Yukeng Susilawan donating the use of a Rp 3.5 billion house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, for the purpose. (mds)