Moslems told to stay away from riots

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)