Habibie concerned by recent violence

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie urged ulemas and religious leaders to instill and uphold moral values among their congregations to avoid a further outbreak of religious tensions.

Speaking to a group of Moslem leaders, Habibie expressed concern over people's tendency to be provoked in a wave of anger and hatred against others.

"Any form of violence, looting or cold blooded cruelty is disgraceful and must be avoided," Habibie said during his opening address of the Al Jam'iyatul Washliyah congress at the State Palace on Saturday.

"Therefore, I appeal to ulemas, Islamic teachers and preachers to urge people return to the principle morals taught by their religions," he said.

Habibie also lamented that many had misjudged the freedoms brought on by the reforms as a freedom to denounce and enforce their will upon others.

A string of riots with strong religious undertones have rocked the country in the last two weeks.

At least 14 people died and 22 churches and five Protestant and Catholic schools were burned or vandalized by rioters in Ketapang, West Jakarta, on Nov. 22, following an altercation at a local "amusement" center.

Another riot erupted in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, when thousands of people marched to protest the Ketapang violence. As of Sunday Kupang was still tense.

Habibie stressed the significance of moral values taught in religious teachings to avoid such outbreaks.

"If our morals deteriorate, our patience then disappears and the law is ignored. The pivotal strength of our lives will be totally destroyed," the President said.

Habibie's words came on the heels of another outbreak, this time in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi.

On Friday, a mob of some 300 set the newly renovated St. Theresia church on fire. (prb)