Megawati calls for national solidarity

Megawati calls for national solidarity

JAKARTA (JP): The ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic
Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri, sent a message to Indonesian
Moslems yesterday telling them to use the fasting that begins
today as a means to strengthen the solidarity of the nation.

In a written statement Megawati reminded people the essence of
fasting in the month of Ramadhan was not to merely cease eating
and drinking but also a test of one's mental fortitude.

"Ramadhan should be understood as a sacred month for Moslems
to cleanse their minds and attitudes from personal ambitions,
which could bring negative impacts on people in general," she
said.

She said this year's fasting month was marked by a prolonged
economic crisis, which had further developed into a serious
integral crisis of the nation.

"The escalating prices of people's basic needs and the
increasing number of unemployed have become a common part of our
daily life," she said.

Antara reported yesterday that in a tour of Jakarta markets
its reporters had noticed price increases. The price of Bimoli
cooking oil has risen on average from Rp 2,100 to Rp 3,200, meat
from Rp 12,000 to Rp 15,000 per kilogram and eggs from Rp 3,200
to 4,500 per kilogram.

Megawati called on PDI members and Moslems in general to work
shoulder-to-shoulder to work for the betterment of the country
and garner solidarity to help their neighbors currently living in
grief.

"Try to find out who needs help," she said. "Give them what
you can afford to give."

She called on the nation to bond in anticipation of future
challenges and to respond to injustices.

"We'll be strong if we unite," she said.

Holidays

Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said in a
statement on the eve this year's fasting month last night that
people should not be pessimistic about the ongoing monetary
crisis.

"We, as a nation, are being tested by God," Tarmizi said.
"However, we have to remain confident that there will always be
joy after grief."

Indonesian Moslems start the Moslem fasting month of Ramadhan
in year 1418 Hijr, today.

To mark the day, school children will be given a one-day
holiday today.

A recent decree by the director general of elementary and high
schools said that the first day of Ramadhan is a national
holiday. The decree, regulating the 1998 national holidays, also
stipulates that students will have a 17-day holiday from Jan. 21
to Feb. 7.

In Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, housewives thronged local
traditional markets and shopping centers yesterday to procure
food in preparation for the fasting month.

Antara reported that they crowded kiosks selling popular
foodstuffs, including fish, vegetables, meat and eggs.

Ramadhan is traditionally known as a festive month as special
dishes and cakes are prepared by families to break the fast each
evening.

"Despite the escalating prices, I try to provide special food
for my family members as an expression of joy and gratitude that
we still can fast this year," said Hasniah, an elementary school
teacher. (imn)