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