Moslem scholars urged to help with crisis

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie called on Moslem scholars and scientists on Friday to work hand in hand to find ways to help the country combat poverty and social conflict.

The Prophet Muhammad, the President said, had warned that hardships created by poverty could easily turn people into nonbelievers.

Habibie, also the former founding chairman of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), pointed out that Islam could play a major role in developing a better world, as it did in the 15th century when the Moslem world made major contributions in the field of science.

The President made the remarks at the opening of the second meeting of the Executive Council of the International Forum for Science, Technology and Human Resources (IIFTIHAR) at the State Palace. He became the organization's chairman two years ago, a position determined on a rotation basis among member countries.

"We are obligated, especially Moslem scholars, to seek inspirations in line with Islamic teachings to resolve problems arising before us," Habibie said.

The two-day meeting, which includes a workshop on the promotion of businesses in Islamic countries, is being attended by more than 200 scholars and major investors and bankers.

The participants include top executives of the Kuwait Finance House, the Saudi Fund for Development, Dallah Al Baraka (UK) Ltd, Al Mudarabah Investment of Qatar and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

IIFTIHAR was formed in 1996 to promote the contributions of Moslem communities to the global economy and technology.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Islamic Development Bank (IDB) director Ahmad Mohamed Ali. IDB has pledged US$500 million in aid for Indonesia, including for scholarships and food aid.

During his speech, the President also appealed to other Islamic countries not to forget their Moslem brothers suffering from the economic crisis in Southeast Asia.

"Our past achievements suddenly faded away after we were rocked by a prolonged monetary crisis. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand are facing the impacts of the crisis' storm."

The workshop is sponsored by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Association of International Islamic Banks. (prb)