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)