Moslem scholars to visit Soeharto

SEMARANG, Central Java: Local Moslem scholars (kyai) here have decided to jump onto the bandwagon of kyai visiting President Soeharto as a way to "show their gratitude" during the country's 50th anniversary.

Following the visit of the kyai from Aceh, East and West Java provinces, a total of 75 Moslem scholars are scheduled to visit Soeharto next Friday, Antara reported.

Spokesman of the provincial branch of Indonesian Council of Ulemas, Muhtarom, said yesterday that the kyais will be led by Sahal Mahfudz, a prominent ulema who is also a leader of the Nahdlatul Ulama Moslem organization. The scholars will also try to visit Vice President Try Sutrisno. (swe)