KWI urges Catholics to pray for President

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) has urged Catholics to pray for the President and the government to be given clarity of thought and strength when taking tough decisions to lift the country out of its economic doldrums.

In a statement signed by KWI chairman Mgr. Josef Suwatan and secretary-general Mgr. J. Hadiwikarta, worshipers were called to summon their strength to pray for the nation.

"May God give them strong determination to do their best for the country, however bitter and great the sacrifice, which can lift us out this restless crisis," the statement said.

The country is facing one of the most severe economic downturns under the New Order government.

Since last July the rupiah's value has plumbed previously unimaginable depths against the U.S. dollar.

This has forced the government to seek a US$43 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund.

"We pray for all the Indonesian people, that their faith and hope are strengthened to see them through the end of the crisis," the message read. "In this difficult situation we need to help one another... and not be easily provoked by divisive rumors."

The KWI message also urged those who with the means to sacrifice for the sake of others by providing assistance to the needy regardless of religion.

The KWI was one among many religious organizations that have called on their followers to hold prayers and ask for divine help for the government and the nation to overcome the crisis.

The Indonesian Council of Ulemas and some Moslem leaders have made the call earlier, and invited the public to help by, among others, donating money and gold to the government.

Moslem community responded by, among others, donated 1.9 kilogram of gold in the form of jewelry and trinket to President Soeharto. The government has appointed the state-owned pawnshop company to manage the donation. (prb)