Moslem scholars urged to help with crisis

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)