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)