'Confucianism must be recognized'

SEMARANG: A Muslim activist called on the government to recognize Confucianism as an official religion, adding it to Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Noor Achmad, chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Youth Coordinating Board in Central Java, blamed politics prejudiced against Chinese Indonesians for the fact that for years, Confucianism was considered merely a sect.

"In this reform era the government must admit its existence and officiate it as a religion," Noor said on Monday night, citing Khong Hoe Tyoe as "the prophet" and Su Si Ngo King as the "holy book" for the faith.

"There are many followers of the faith and they still perform its rites quietly. They should no longer live in fear" of persecution, he added. Confucianism is a popular religion in Hong Kong as well as in other countries, Noor said. (har/edt)