Civil corps, ABRI to hold low cost Xmas celebration

Civil corps, ABRI to hold low cost Xmas celebration

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie and other cabinet
ministers will attend a Christmas celebration organized by civil
servants and Armed Forces (ABRI) members on Sunday, an official
said on Monday.

Ignatius Setyoko, the chairman of the celebration committee
said, unlike previous years, this year's celebration will be held
at the Senayan Indoor Tennis Court in South Jakarta as a way of
saving costs.

About 4,000 guests are expected to attend the ritual, he said.

"We will have a simple ceremony as a reflection of our concern
at the current situation," Ignatius said after meeting the
President at Merdeka Palace along with other nine committee
members.

In the previous years such celebrations were held at the more
expensive Jakarta Convention Center which can accommodate more
people.

The President reiterated his previous statements that the
state is required by the Constitution to protect and give equal
treatment to all religions.

Following riots with religious overtones in a number of areas
last month, Habibie said he hoped that religious leaders would
help the government in its efforts to keep harmony among
different faiths.

"The President appeals to all parties to adhere to the
Pancasila state ideology and refrain from being easily agitated,"
Ignatius quoted Habibie as saying.

The President and cabinet members traditionally attend the
major ceremonies of the five official religions -- Islam,
Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist. Some of the ceremonies
are usually held at the State Palace. (prb)