Moslems told to renew religious commitment

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher called on religious leader and other Indonesians Wednesday to work together to strengthen harmonious coexistence among believers of different faiths.

In his address to commemorate Islamic New Year Wednesday, Tarmizi hoped that Indonesian Moslems would follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad on harmonious and peaceful living. The Prophet told people to love one another regardless of their origins, ethnic or religious backgrounds.

"Islam and other religions basically bring happiness and not conflict to people," said Tarmizi.

Meanwhile, when speaking at the opening of Muharram Week at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, also Wednesday, Tarmizi said that the Islamic New Year was the new yardstick for people to refresh their commitment to religious concepts and values.

He said there were two main concepts of religious values: ritual and social piousness which could unite people in peace and egalitarianism.

An exhibition, bazaar and arts festivals on Islam will be held to celebrate Muharram Week, which will end May 12, Antara reported.

The start of the Islamic New Year, known as the first Muharram, coincided with the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 8.

"Ritual piousness enables Moslems to maintain the correct concept of religious ritual and belief, while social piousness maintains people's respect and cooperation. These let people build strong solidarity by which society's morality can easily be preserved," Tarmizi said.

On ways to develop Islamic arts and culture, Tarmizi said he hoped the Association of Islamic Artisans and Cultural Observers had appropriate strategies and programs to curb materialism and atheism in the globalization era.

"Global culture has produced a pop culture, which could destroy the nation morale and erode nationalism," Tarmizi said.

"The nation of Indonesia will still stand tall not only because of its economic strength, but also because of its cultural resilience. Islamic artists and cultural observers have significant roles in developing and maintaining cultural resilience," he said.

Tarmizi said he supported the association's plan to establish an artists and cultural observers council to create concepts and ideas which the government could use in policy development.

PPP

The United Development Party (PPP) central board congratulated all people, especially Moslems, on the Islamic New Year celebrations.

"The (Islamic) New Year is always meaningful to all members of the PPP, a political party for Moslems," PPP deputy secretary general Bachtiar Chamsyah said Wednesday.

"All PPP members should celebrate the new year and wish the party success in gaining more votes in the coming election," he said.

On Thursday, the PPP campaigned in Jakarta and some areas of Java, Maluku and Irian Jaya. (06/sur)