Idul Fitri in a time of crisis

Idul Fitri in a time of crisis

In the context of the conditions which Indonesians are facing
at present, Idul Fitri takes on a special significance. This is
not only because in this auspicious month and on this auspicious
day all people are called on to forgive each other, but because
as a nation we need to adopt a new manner of thinking, of looking
at things and of acting in order that we will be able to surmount
the current crisis. As a nation, this is a necessity that we must
address since the stakes involved are extremely high.

As a nation, we are standing on the brink of a new phase that
will decide the outcome of our current transformation process. At
least three major political events are on our national agenda
this year: a general election to be held on June 7, a General
Session of the People's Consultative Assembly and the election of
a new president.

This is where the significance of this year's Idul Fitri
celebration lies for the Indonesian nation. For the people of
Indonesia, the majority of whom are Muslim, (the hardships of the
holy month) Ramadhan and the celebration of Idul Fitri so early
in the year are truly a blessing because they have properly
prepared us to exercise greater wisdom, magnanimity and
tolerance, and act in a better spirit of fraternity and
compassion.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta