Habibie concerned by recent violence

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)