Govt leaders asked to show their abilities

Govt leaders asked to show their abilities

JAKARTA (JP): Public suffering brought on by the monetary crisis should prompt state leaders to reflect upon their conduct and gracefully bow out if they feel they are not up to their jobs, Moslem leaders say.

Prominent members of the Indonesian Committee for World Moslem Solidarity (KISDI) gathered hundreds of Jakartan Moslems at the Al Azhar Grand Mosque in a tabligh akbar (grand prayer gathering) yesterday. Preachers, including KISDI acting chairman Ahmad Sumargono and Hussein Umar, led the congregation in prayers for an end to the crisis.

"State leaders should look at themselves. They should not wait until six months or a year (the time limit some government critics have given for the new cabinet to prove their mettle). If they think they cannot do the job, they should resign," Sumargono said.

He also called on government officials to live modestly and donate extra belongings to the needy. "Don't just tell people to live simply. Set an example," Sumargono said.

He reminded the government that public patience over the economic turmoil was wearing thin, a situation that could lead to violence and anarchy.

However, Sumargono also called on the public to play an active role in seeking ways to settle the crisis.

"We (Indonesians) are hard workers and are surely able to live on our own in every situation," he said.

"I believe we can fulfill our basic needs since our country is rich in natural resources," he added. (imn)