Moslems told to stay away from riots

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Amien Rais, the leader of the 28-million- strong Moslem organization Muhammadiyah, called on Moslems yesterday to stay away from riots targeting the property of people of Chinese descent.

Amien said attacking, burning and looting properties owned by ethnic Chinese -- as has happened in food riots in many parts of the country recently -- was against Islamic teaching.

"I appeal to Moslems to remain steadfast when facing the economic crisis. Never be tempted to go on a rampage," he said after meeting with Catholic leaders at his residence here.

Chinese Indonesians who are mostly Christian or Buddhist, comprise only about five million of the country's 202 million people but they dominate the economy.

Mob violence that has erupted in Java, South Sulawesi and South Sumatra targeted their shops, homes and vehicles. In West Java, several churches were also damaged.

He said that rioting was only adding to the hardship the common people had to bear due to the soaring prices.

Amien said the government was responsible for handling the continuing riots and that what Muhammadiyah could do was to call on people not to resort to violence. (23/pan)