Intellectual groups host seminar

Intellectual groups host seminar

JAKARTA (JP): Five religious-based intellectual associations
have scheduled an impressive line-up of guests to speak at their
seminar on national culture next week.

The seminar, to be opened on Nov. 10 by President Soeharto and
closed by Vice President Try Sutrisno on Nov. 13, will be divided
into four sessions discussing issues of security and defense,
traditional family values, education and religion, and religious
values.

It will take place at Taman Mini, Cornelius D. Ronowidjojo,
the chairman of the organizing committee, told reporters
yesterday.

The five sponsors of the seminars are the Association of
Christian Intelligentsia (PIKI), the Association of Indonesian
Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), the Association of Catholic Scholars
(ISKA), the Association of Buddhist Intellectuals (KCBI) and the
Association of Hindu Intellectuals (FCHI).

The event is being held to refute allegations that the growing
influence of these organizations, particularly ICMI's, has
revived sectarian politics in Indonesia.

Cornelius of PIKI said the first session on defense will
present Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, military thinker
Gen. (ret.) Soemitro and Juwono Sudarsono, the Deputy Governor of
the National Resilience Institute.

The second session on family values will feature State
Minister of Population Haryono Soeyono, and four experts in the
field: T. O. Ihromi Simatupang, Dadang Harawi, Matulada and Siti
Hartati Murdaya.

Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro and
Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Tahir top the list of
speakers for the third session. They will be accompanied by
former home minister Rudini, legislator Sabam Sirait and human
rights campaigner Roekmini.

The last session brings together leaders of the main religions
in Indonesia including Hasan Basri (Moslem), Julius Cardinal
Darmaatmadja (Roman Catholic) and Soelarso Sopater (Christian).
(rms)