Moslems told to renew religious commitment
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)