KWI urges Catholics to pray for President

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)