MPR urged to defend people's interests

MPR urged to defend people's interests

JAKARTA (JP): Religious leaders called yesterday for the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to defend the people's
interests.

They also appealed to people currently bearing the brunt of
the economic crisis to refrain from resorting to acts that
violated the principles of democracy, the 1945 Constitution and
the existing laws.

"All religious believers are expected to peacefully channel
their aspirations through the Assembly," they said in a joint
statement.

The statement was signed by the vice chairman of the
Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), Ali Yafie; the chairman of the
Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), Sularso Sopater; F.X.
Suparto representing Catholics; the chairman of the Indonesian
Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI), Putu Soekreta Soeranta; and the
chairman of the Indonesian Buddhist Council (Walubi), Oka
Diputera.

Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher received their
statement on behalf of the government.

Tarmizi thanked the leaders for their dedication to the
country and for their prayers for the country during the economic
crisis.

He said he hoped that pluralism in the country would not
become a source of conflict for the population. (prb)