Leaders warn Moslems over 'provocation

JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of people attended a gathering on Monday at the Al Azhar mosque in South Jakarta to hear speeches by renown Moslem leaders on Monday.

Meanwhile on Tuesday the Senayan Sports Stadium was packed as the chairman of the rising Crescent and Star Party, Prof. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, addressed followers. Following branches in several provinces the Party was installing its Jakarta executive board. Both gatherings urged Moslems to be careful against "provocation."

Yusril and secretary general MS Kaban expressed condolences of victims during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly. They urged all parties to respect the results and "follow up on aspirations yet to be accommodated" in deliberations on political laws. A decree justifying the Armed Forces continued representation in the legislative body, though expected, has sparked outrage.

At Al Azhar, Ali Yafie, vice chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), the poet Taufik Ismail and Amien Rais, the chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), were among speakers who called on Moslems to adhere to the principle of Ukhuwah Islamiyah, or Islamic brothership, and not to become the victims of a political conspiracy to divide them, Antara reported.

"With the emergence of a number of new Moslem organizations, we must be careful not to become enmeshed in conflict and mock each other," Amien said. Amien is also a former chairman of the Muhammadiyah Moslem organization.

Amien said he was saddened by rising poverty, which he claimed had come about despite the country's abundant natural resources because government officials are "busy enriching themselves."

He called on the country's Moslems to work with all parties with good intentions to ensure the success of the reform movement. However, he advised they be "careful" in choosing partners, saying that those seeking "hostility and sin" should be avoided.

Husein Umar, a member of the People's Consultative Assembly, pointed out that the 1,000 strong Assembly had worked hard to accommodate the people's rising aspirations during last week's special session which ended on Friday.

"All Moslems' aspirations, except that regarding the Armed Forces' (ABRI) dual-function were accommodated," said the United Development Party (PPP) executive. PPP lost in the vote to exclude the Armed Forces from the country's legislatures.

Umar proudly pointed out that the PPP had succeeded in its struggle to get provisions for an investigation of former president Soeharto included in an Assembly decree. He also claimed credit for the fact that Pancasila is no longer the sole and obligatory ideology for all political parties and mass organizations.

Ali Yafie urged all Moslems to oppose any movements intent on toppling the legitimate government. "It is the obligation of all Moslems to fight against tyranny and violence," Ali said.

After delivering his address, Amien was hounded for comment on the interrogation of political opposition figures suspected of subversion. He said that the activists "had nothing to worry about" as long as the investigations were transparent and fair, adding that the law "should not be bent" for political purposes. He also warned of "hidden agendas" being pursued by unnamed parties.

When asked if he intends to join demonstrations to demand an investigation into the deaths during last week's unrest, Amien replied that he was being "very careful."

"Nowadays it's almost impossible to tell friend from foe. I must follow moral guidelines and accurate political calculations," he said. (prb)