OI plans pan-religious orphanage

OI plans pan-religious orphanage

JAKARTA: Orphans Internasional (OI) has planned to open an orphanage for children from different religions who have fallen victim to sectarian conflicts across the country.

OI representative in Indonesia Linda Mangunsong told reporters here on Monday the foundation would build the orphanage in Bali in 2003.

The Bali provincial government approved the proposal, following a meeting between OI executives and Bali deputy governor Alit Putra. President of the New York-based organization Jim Luce attended the talks.

Head of the province's Social Welfare Agency Panjaya said a number of public figures from different religions grouped under the Inter-religion Followers Communication Forum had agreed to help run the orphanage.

Among the figures is I Gusti Ngurah Yudhana, a son of national hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai, according to Pangjaya.

Linda said OI had an obsession to promote tolerance and harmonious coexistence between among orphans from conflict- wracked regions. She said the organization had no intention of adopting them. -- Antara