Buddhists work to fight poverty

Buddhists work to fight poverty

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Buddhist Council (WALUBI) is asking all Buddhist business people to lend their participation to the government-sponsored programs designed to eradicate poverty.

"All Buddhist businesses should set aside part of their wealth to help the needy during the upcoming Buddha's Day of Enlightenment and the celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day," WALUBI Secretary General Budi Setiawan said yesterday.

He said that many successful business people in the country are Buddhists.

He said several businessmen, such as Sudono Salim and Siwie Honoris, have agreed to assist WALUBI with its program to eradicate poverty.

He said the celebration of Buddha's Day of Enlightenment on May 15 would be centered at the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, where Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher is slated to open it. (rms)