Keep up role model image: Try

JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno closed yesterday the fifth national congress of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), calling on the Moslem leaders to maintain their "reputation as role models".

"Ulemas should keep their image as role models for the community, so that they would be able to shape and guide the Indonesian Moslem community," he told some 300 participants of the congress.

"Ulemas should also help their congregation build confidence and independence, and instill in them strong will and motivation to improve their lives and free themselves from the shackles of poverty," Try said.

The congress, opened last Friday by President Soeharto, re- elected Moslem scholar Hasan Basri for a third consecutive five- year term as chairman of the influential body.

The ulemas called on the government to take firm action against people found guilty of speaking against Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Koran, and who insult the Moslem community.

In his report yesterday, Hasan told Try that the ulemas also called on all parties not to "misuse Islamic expressions, in order to prevent confusion about their real meanings".

Hasan did not elaborate on what he meant by "misuse", but last year some ulemas protested the use by non-Moslem people of the Islamic expressions Insya Allah (God willing) or Alhamdulillah (praise Allah).

Hasan said the ulemas are supporting the government's effort for a clean administration by fighting all forms of corruption, collusion and manipulation.

"We are calling on all parties to implement business ethics which are based on religious teachings and (state ideology) Pancasila," he said. (swe)