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)