Furkon plans mass gatherings

Furkon plans mass gatherings

JAKARTA (JP): A Moslem organization plans to hold mass
gatherings in 50 subdistricts in Greater Jakarta on Sunday, the
organization announced on Thursday.

The chairman of the Moslem Forum of the Upholders of Justice
and the Constitution (Furkon), Faisal Biki, said the event was
aimed at strengthening Moslem's awareness of slander.

"We notice that there are a number of slanderers who level
their accusations at the Moslem community. Thus, we should
prepare ourselves to anticipate their moves," he announced during
a meeting between Furkon members and deputy governor of
development affairs Abdul Kahfi.

He cited as an example the widespread allegation that Moslems
were involved in the rapes that reportedly occurred during the
mid-May riots here.

"Anyone who spread the rumor must provide proof. Don't just
vilify Moslems," Faisal said.

He said, however, that he had no idea how many people would
attend the gatherings.

There will be mass prayers staged at the gatherings, he added.

Jakarta alone has 265 subdistricts. Greater Jakarta covers
Jakarta, Tangerang, Bogor and Bekasi.

Faisal also dismissed the possibility of the mysterious
killings of Moslem clerics in East and Central Java reaching
Jakarta.

"I'm sure it won't happen here. If the killings really occur,
let security authorities handle it according to existing legal
procedures," he said.

Furkon was set up early this month, claiming to be a
representative of Indonesian Moslems. It has expressed support
for President B.J. Habibie's political agenda.

Faisal expressed hope that Moslems would unite to make the
Nov. 10 People's Consultative Assembly's special session a
success.

"We want the session to be held constitutionally. If it fails,
we'll suffer," he said. (ivy)