Islamic groups to gather at VP's office

JAKARTA: Islamic mass-based organizations and ulema in the country will gather in an informal meeting hosted by the Vice President's office on May 6.

Chairman of the event organizing committee Rahmat Ismail Nasution told reporters after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz on Friday that the Muslim figures would discuss and decide a stance in response to the decline in the quality of harmony among Muslims.

Those invited to the one-day event include Nahdlatul Ulama leader Sholahuddin Wahid, former chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council Ali Yafie, deputy chairman of the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Adi Sasono, chairman of Indonesian Islamic Propagation Council Hussein Umar and House legislator Rusjdi Hamka.

Rahmat said the meeting was expected to recommend that the government ensure the reform movement proceeded on track, without having to discredit Muslim society and its leaders.

The participants will also look at the best way to settle to problems in restive Aceh. -- JP