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)